Future of Libraries - Goodbye Reading Room, Hello Workshop?

The question of what will libraries become in the 21st Century? Make magazine has a great blog post by Phillip Torrone suggesting some ideas. Is It Time to Rebuild & Retool Public Libraries and Make “TechShops”?

An article that encourages thought - what could be come of the public library? What do we want it to become if people no longer need the actual structure for book lending, research, etc.

"Will they become hackerspaces, TechShops, tool-lending libraries, and Fab Labs, or have these new, almost-public spaces displaced a new role for libraries? For many of us, books themselves are tools. In the sense that books are tools of knowledge, the library is a repository for tools, so will we add “real tools” for the 21st century?"

Certainly sparks conversation. Your thoughts?

South San Francisco Public Library Installation

Project designer: Group 4 Architecture

Worden Dealer: Ross McDonald Co.

Library Features:

Modified Stance Computer Stations

Display Gondolas

End of Range OPAC Stations

End Panels

 More Project Photos

Standard vs. Custom Furniture

Check out this enlightening article by our own Linda Visscher featured in Library Scope - Library Works Newsletter. 

"The common perception about custom furniture is that it is expensive and out of the realm of possibility. The reality is that the perception is not necessarily true. The decision about using standard or modified standard vs. custom furniture should be based on making the right choice – for your budget, for the function that needs to be performed and for the design aesthetic of your library project."

Read on find out the advantages and disadvantages of both...

Great Learning Space - Backyard Adventure

No better way to attract kids and turn them into lifelong readers than to create their own space within a library. Otsego District Public Library (Otsego, MI) has designed a place as bright, playful and creative as their youngest readers. The backyard themed children's area houses custom picnic tables and benches, Adirondack chairs and a dog house book display. An ideal space for children to discover the joy of reading.

Project designed by: Thomson Architectural Services, Stevensville, MI
Interior designed by: Library Design Associates, Inc. MI

Novi Public Library Installation, Novi MI

Project Features:

Modified Stance Computer Stations

Stance Tables

Folio Carrel Tables

Folio Study Tables

Folio End Panels

Installation Cut Sheets

Interior designed by: Library Design Associates, Inc.
Photography: Beth Singer Photography, Franklin, MI

CAC Cabinet

A group of Worden employees volunteered at our local Children's Advocacy Center during United Way's Day of Caring. We spent the day painting, weeding, planting and cleaning around the facility. During our visit we learned the center was in need of storage and organization in their play therapy room and we decided we wanted to help.

They gave us a sketch of the type of cabinet they were looking for and our custom shop built it to their specifications. It contains a compartment for their sand table, pull out drawers for toys, a cupboard for dress up clothes and plenty of additional storage above. It was also painted bright green with applied vinyl graphics to match the tropical jungle theme of the room. 

We were delighted we were able to give back to the center, to provide the storage and organization they need to do the great work that they do for our community.

On Display

Book Displays draw attention to new books, special collections or under-circulated titles. Displays play a vital role in keeping books moving. Help your books stand out and get noticed. Patrons are more likely to pick up and check out a book that is displayed prominently in an inviting environment!

Whether you are featuring your selections on fixed shelves in permanent locations or want your displays on the move. Standard or custom - books can be placed on all sides and approached from any direction. Perfect for entrances, lobbies and gathering areas where patrons love to browse. Whatever your display needs Worden has the solution.

Tiered Book Display & Double-sided Gondola Display

Custom Display