In the first part of our Library Design for Early Education series, we examined design themes that highlight the school library as a hub of learning in primary schools.   In part two, we looked at the comfortable spaces that create a unique and engaging environment for young readers.    This week, we will focus on the special touches that give school libraries an exciting and dramatic feel.

Paint swatches and carpet samples are just two small elements of designing interior finishes that define the look and feel of a space.  Careful consideration of light and reflections, material durability and maintenance, and overall harmony of colors and textures are essential parts of developing beautiful libraries.

In the case of the Grove City Middle School library (above), Eckles designers worked with the client to continue the school’s design themes related to Earth and nature.   Colors were used to represent these design elements throughout the building with the library becoming a space to tie the elements together.   These colors are incorporated into an array of curved canopies suspended from the ceiling that help to disperse light throughout the library.  Wall finishes complement the thematic colors while patterned carpeting disguises the signs of heavy foot traffic.   The design theme is completed with resin panel accents affixed to the shelving and casework faces to represent grasslands.

Another interesting element of the Grove City Middle School library is the use of suspended trellises to delineate, without isolating, a slightly more intimate reading and research area.  This use of finish accents also helps to evenly distribute natural and artificial light making it both aesthetic and functional.

The clever use of finishes and accents to partition this area of the Hance Elementary library creates the impression of a lush green tree set along a picket fence.  The trunk of the tree becomes the passage to another area of the library.  Blue skies and rolling hills are dotted with two dimensional tree shapes that were created with durable paint finishes.

The use of suspended accents in the Cranberry Elementary library creates a breathtaking cloudscape that makes use of both artificial and natural light.   This cheerful space is achieved by using wall finishes that will reflect uniformly to fill the library with vibrant light.   The building’s peaked roof, arch and column design themes are incorporated into the library design in a manner that draws the eye up to accentuate the majestic high ceiling.

While a functional library is a critical part of every early education center, our designers work closely with clients to create a space that is also unique and interesting.  Each library has a personality that reflects both the intended use of the space and the imaginative qualities of the students who occupy it.

Contact us today to discuss your ideas for creating a library that is as special as your school and its students.  We are excited to help make your ideas into reality.