5 Must-Have Library Products You Need Right Now

With so many Library products available to you, I thought it might be helpful if I show you a few of my favorites and tell you more about how they could work for you and your Library.  Some of them you've probably seen and maybe even used.  Hopefully some are new and will help generate ideas for what you might purchase next time you've got a little budget money to make some updates.  So peruse the list below and start working on your own list of favorites!  

Quick side note before we jump in: no pricing is listed in this post for a number of reasons.  Some of you may be purchasing on state contract and others may have different avenues of purchase.  So pricing here would all be relative and therefore useless to you.

If you're looking for help with any of these products, please don't hesitate to reach out to me now to see how I can help you get started! Schedule a free call with me today and let's chat about it!

#1 - FRAMEWORK MOBILE PARTITIONS BY AGATI

Today's Library is nothing if not multi-functional.  We've talked about that in several blog posts before.  I've even had requests from readers in other states that wanted to know how best to create a fully-functional Library that could basically be broken down in its entirety for other community functions in their new building since it was a shared space and needed to be super mobile.

Because of that, it helps if most of your pieces can be moved around on casters and maybe even have multiple layout options to assist in the maximum use of your space.  This is why I love the Agati Framework Mobile Partitions.

As you can see above, these can be used in so many ways.  This particular set up is being used to offer semi-private group study.  Portions of the panels are made of fabric to help with acoustics and they're on casters for ease of mobility.  If you visit the Agati website, you will quickly see that there are many other ways to use these.  There are even sections that can have whiteboard inserts for any instructional sessions.  But these can also be broken down into much smaller sections, or even larger ones, all depending on your needs.

#2 - POD SINGLE BY AGATI

Another great option by Agati is their Pod Single.  This one can be used individually or even grouped together to form cozy reading or study carrels.  These are so playful and fun.  You can use multiple color options for the housing as well as the seats and then either tone it down some with a neutral and coordinating wood laminate for the desk portion, or you can dress that up as well.  

These are also great for acoustics and will definitely be a beautiful addition to your teen areas.  But make no mistake, when we use these for other projects, we almost always end up ordering more for the adults too.  They are really popular with patrons.  Pod Single also boasts the use of 3form and quartz options for these units too.

#3 - POLKA BENCH BY INDIANA

If you're looking for bench seating but don't want to go with a traditional shape, you should look into the Polka Bench by Indiana.  I've just recently specified this one and it's adorable.  The more organic shape lends itself to a playful look but the wood legs make it super sturdy.  

The finishes for these will make the piece stand out even more, so if you choose to go with a product like this, make sure you branch out of your comfort zone a bit and try something with a bit more character and pattern.  You wont' be sorry.  And keep in mind that they have multiple size options so while these look shorter in the image above, the one I've recently used is actually much longer.

These can be used as random Library seating throughout your building, in specific sections like the children and youth areas, or even as vestibule benches for anyone who may be waiting on a ride.  Scatter them throughout and it will keep your design concept cohesive and fluid.

#4 - BUILD MAKERSPACE BY HON

This product is one of my absolute favorites for children spaces.  These are specifically made for children so they don't have to be shared with other departments in the Library.  Plus they're on wheels so they can be moved around easily and then locked into place when you get them stationary.

There are plenty of cubbies and spaces for storage so this table can serve in any capacity you need it to.  Just looking for a place to color?  Put crayons in the boxes and roll them out.  If you need them for a specific STEM project or program specialty, they can be used for those just as easily.  

I will say that these don't have tons of color options, but there are options.  Neutrals they have in droves, but a few pops of color are available.  So you can still dress them up a bit to make them work for your existing finishes.   

But again, what I love most about these is that they are strictly for your younger patrons.  Sometimes it's nice to NOT have to share.

#5 - CRE8 LGR BY MIEN COMPANY

This version of makerspace table is for everyone else.  We're currently using this one for a new Library with a more contemporary feel.  They have a large room near the front entry that will be multi-purpose.  It's intention is to act as a technology lab, computer training room and makerspace.  So these tables need to be movable, arrangeable and functional.  

I do have to tell you that these tables are NOT small.  But they're great for larger projects and group events.  They can also be used to house 3D printers, recording equipment and anything else you can imagine for your own makerspace.  

The CRE8 LGR by Mien Company is a perfect addition to your building.  You could even use it in your work room instead of out in the open for the public.  And with the size of this table, it could double as a great table for sorting through patron donations and/or book sales from your Friends of the Library.  No matter what, just make it your own.

FINAL THOUGHTS

There really are so many great products out there for your Library.  Over time, I'll continue to introduce to you the pieces that have served me and my clients well.  In the meantime, please feel free to chime in on these on our Off the Shelf Library Design Facebook page.  Or pop in and tell us what products you have had personal success with.  Either way, I would love to hear from you.