Top Furniture Picks for Collaborative Learning
From comfy seating options to powered tables for multi-media presentations, find out the hottest products for creating collaborative learning environments in your library.
The St. Petersburg College Innovation Lab: A Technology Playground for the Community
After writing grants, garnering the support of the college foundation and finding community partners, St. Petersburg College’s Innovation Lab was born.
Motivate Students to Code by Adding Drones to Your Makerspace
Looking for the next new tech tool to add to your makerspace? See how School Librarian of the Year Todd Burleson is using drones to engage students and teach coding in his classroom.
The Space-saving Tip for Your Media Collection You’ll Want to Try
We asked five libraries to tell us about how this one product helped them do more with their media collection. See what they had to say.
Teen Activity Calendar: May 2017
Spring is in the air and there are so many days and ways to celebrate in May. Try out some of these fun teen activities, events, crafts and more!
Designing Interactive Library Spaces on Limited Budgets
From programming to displays to makerspaces — tune in for a variety of ideas to help you engage your community without spending a fortune.
Top 5 Teen Seating Picks
Ah, teenagers! They’re a unique age group with their own wants, needs and one-of-a-kind personalities. How can you reach them? Create a space that offers them comfort, creativity, socializing and exploration. See top picks in teen seating.
Library Makerspaces: Advice from Your Peers on Budget, Space, Time & Tools
The Demco Makerspace Survey revealed the pain points many librarians have with starting and running a makerspace, but it also revealed some great advice for meeting those challenges head on. See what your peers had to say about their makerspaces and get tips and pointers.
5 Makerspace Projects for Teen Tech Week: Be the Source of Change
Teen Tech Week is March 5-11 and master maker Diana Rendina has got you covered. Diana shares 5 makerspace projects that will inspire teens to become change agents in their communities while practicing the design process.
Visiting Schreiner Memorial Library, Wisconsin’s 2016 Library of the Year
Renovated and expanded in 2015, the Schreiner Memorial Library (WI) was smartly designed to serve the community’s current and future needs. See why it was named Library of the Year from the Wisconsin Library Association in 2016.
Re-evaluating Existing Library Spaces and Furnishings on a Budget
Take it from an expert, you’ve got a lot of options in your library design “tool kit” — even if you’re working within space and budget constraints.
Top 3 Reasons to Use Flexible Seating in the Classroom
When this elementary teaching veteran read about the benefits of flexible seating in classrooms, she just knew she had to try it. Learn why she cleared 30 desks out of her room and replaced them with flexible seating and why she’ll never go back.
Connecting Schools and Public Libraries Through Data
Measuring the impact of programs and services is a challenge, but it can be done. Learn how a library partnership and data sharing can get you started.
How to Boost Student Performance With Active Learning Environments
Learn from a certified ergonomist how active learning environments can keep kids engaged, improve test scores and result in greater creativity and positive behavior.
Transform Your Children’s Library Into an Interactive STEAM Learning Environment
Learn how you can harness new education strategies and transform your children’s library into an interactive STEAM learning environment.
Reader Mailbox: Answers to Your Library Space Design Questions
If you’ve found time to watch any of the Demco-sponsored webinars, you know we are fortunate to partner with smart folks who share their expertise and experiences. What you may not have discovered is the archive of the questions attendees asked but were not always answered during the live session. Read on to find answers to questions on library space design.
25 Reasons Library Makerspaces Are a Good Thing!
The results are in and one lucky makerspace fan has won a $250 Demco gift certificate! See who the winner is and read why your peers think makerspaces are essential to libraries.
Top 4 Reasons Why Makerspaces Matter in Academic Libraries & How to Get Started
Library Journal Mover and Shaker Sharona Ginsberg highlights the benefits of makerspaces in academic libraries and gives tips to start you on your way to success.
Library as Learning Commons: 3 Key Zones
It has been 8 years since the learning commons trend took hold. Where are we now? Learn about the 3 zones every library needs and what products best support different learning styles.
Create an Amazing Low-tech Library Makerspace With These Easy Ideas
Accomplished maker and educator Heather Lister provides you with sample projects and resources to incorporate the maker movement within your school, library or classroom (or all three!), with little to no technology requirements.
Selecting the Right Products for Your Makerspace
Struggling to find the best tools for your library makerspace? Join expert Laura Fleming as she discusses how best to support your space.
4 Benefits of Holding a Maker Program for Library Staff
Want to get more buy-in from staff and added exposure for your maker programs? Children’s Librarian and maker extraordinaire Holly Storck-Post fills you in on the benefits of holding a maker program for the entire library staff.
Makerspace Projects for School, Public and Academic Libraries
The Maker Movement has hit the library! Watch this webinar and learn how to ensure patrons can pursue open-ended maker projects and enjoy playing to learn.
Creating Collaborative Learning Spaces in the College Library
The way college library spaces are designed to meet the variety of students’ needs has evolved considerably. Read one university’s story.
So You Want to Build a Library Makerspace — Here’s What You Need to Consider
Library makerspaces come in many forms and offer places to tinker, develop work skills or invent. What are your makerspace goals? Check out 4 essential considerations and the latest products.
Good Things Are Popping Up: Brooklyn Public Library’s Mobile Outreach Services
Open-air pop-up reading rooms? See how the Brooklyn Public Library partnered with leading community organizations to bring the library to the streets.
Indoor and Outdoor Library Spaces: Getting Back to Nature with Nashville Public
Ready to embrace functional space both indoors and out? Get ideas from the Nashville Public Library on how to create an amazing outdoor space and discover ways to bring the outdoors inside.
Using Wi-Fi Data to Develop the Library Programs and Spaces That Meet Your Community’s Needs
Your physical space is one of your library’s biggest assets. Wi-Fi tracking technology can help you visualize how patrons are interacting with that space, as well as inform new library programs and space changes.
Take a Virtual Tour of The Mix, San Francisco Public Library’s Ultimate Teen Space
The teens involved in every step of the planning process for The Mix helped make this teen zone the place to be. Explore the results as Manager Cathy Cormier takes us on a virtual tour of the multiple areas of SFPL’s teen zone, their uses and the tools they feature.
2 Academic Spaces That Are Transforming Student Learning
As centers of learning, college libraries are reinventing their spaces to facilitate just about anything students may dream up. Hear from 2 academic librarians about higher education makerspaces and design labs.
Mix It Up: Spaces, Programs and Outreach That Engage Teens
Staff from The Mix at San Francisco Public Library share their experience in developing, funding and building their new teen library space, as well as how they engaged their youth and made it a community project.
Come Together! Collaborative Spaces in the Library
From providing comfort and integrating technology to offering flexibility, learn about ideas to make library collaborative spaces great.
Libraries Connecting Communities at the Digital Shift
What a concept! A conference that happens at your desk. See what this year’s The Digital Shift virtual conference was all about. Hint: Libraries matter.
Library as Center for Innovation
In an age of information abundance, libraries are a natural fit for creativity and innovation spaces. In this webinar, Traci Lesneski of MSR Architects will discuss creating a flexible, supportive environment and increasing your value to your community.
Library Discovery: Opportunities for Surprise & Delight
How do you deepen patron engagement with the library and draw connections to other areas of your collection, services or programming? Read the latest ideas.
Makerspaces in Schools: Creating STEAM Connections
Makerspaces in schools build students’ interests and competencies in STEM. See how to increase innovation and collaboration between librarians and classroom teachers.
The Evolving Library: Library Journal’s Design Institute San Diego
From new ways to describe your library to how small spaces can have impact, get a first-person account of the top 5 takeaways from this year’s Library Journal Design Institute.
Making Space for Creation
From funding to floor pianos, programming for all ages and makerlab inspiration, read how the Barrington Area Library makes its makerspaces and digital media labs successful.
The Modern Library: Embracing the Future While Celebrating the Past
The new Slover Library epitomizes a modern library, embracing both past and present. See why this library shines with flexible spaces, technology and more.
Developing Collaborative Spaces That Encourage Community Engagement
Collaboration is the word! View the Demco panel presentation that addresses collaborative library spaces and provides examples of spaces that can work for varying budgets.
How to Spruce Up Popular Materials & Book Displays
Borrow ideas from retailers’ visual merchandising playbooks to help your book displays gain more visibility, attract patrons and increase circulation.
Want to Make Your Library the Go-to Place for Playtime? Here’s How!
At the La Crosse Public Library in WI, children pretend to shop at a farmers market, tell stories on flannel boards and play parachute games. See how playtime at the library builds early literacy skills in a natural way and learn how you can create an engaging children’s environment, even on a budget.
Exploring New Ideas: Sector67 Hackerspace
Makerspaces, hackerspaces, fab labs and more — different names, but similar intent. Discover potential ideas for sparking creativity and engagement in libraries.
Top 5 Teen Zone Trends
Create a teen zone that hits on all the must haves for a fun, collaborative space. Check out the latest trends to attract tweens and teens.
Sioux Center School: Teen Space Central
See how the new library at Sioux Center Middle and High School shines as a 21st century teen space that allows students to read, study and collaborate.
Developing Irresistible Teen Programs
Having trouble connecting with today’s teenagers? This webinar is for you! Join teen programming expert Sarah Flowers as she discusses what it takes to draw teens into the library, including budgeting, planning, marketing and more.
Planning for the Future of K–12 Libraries: Multifunctional Learning Commons
School libraries are going from book warehouses to multi-functional learning commons. How will you make the leap? This webinar answers how spaces can be designed to support multiple learning activities, goals, interests and individuals at once.
2014 Library Journal Design Institute Recap
Find out what happened at the 2014 Library Journal Design Institute. Get the top 5 takeaways you need for any library building or renovation project.
Abraham Lincoln Elementary School
Get library decorating ideas right this minute. See how an elementary school library stuck in the 1960s underwent a dramatic interior design makeover to become a modern and light-filled space.
Wayfinding Series: Part 4 of 4
Access a wayfinding signage planning worksheet to create a solid foundation for helping people navigate your library.
Wayfinding Series: Part 3 of 4
The right preparation goes a long way with wayfinding design and customer satisfaction. Learn simple strategies to observe patrons and glean signage cues.
Wayfinding & Wayshowing 101
Wayfinding and signage significantly influence customer perception of your library. Strategies like user observation can help to maximize their experience.
Wayfinding Series: Part 2 of 4
When it comes to library signage, you have to think like a marketer. Find out why it’s important to review and assess your communications from a branding standpoint.
Pete the Cat® Reading Program Activity Guide
This activity guide is the cat’s meow! Celebrate Pete and all kinds of cats as you motivate readers. Read in the Kitty Corner, play games with buttons and shoes and have everyone draw their own cat!
Reading Is Our Thing! Dr. Seuss Reading Program Activity Guide
This activity guide has everything you need for a Seuss-sational program to get kids exploring the wonderful world of books! Practice creative rhyming, have a family literacy night and play in some oobleck!
Fetch a Good Book! Reading Program Activity Guide
Bow WOW! There are so many doggone fun activities packed in this reading activity guide! Make an origami dog, have a barking contest, eat some puppy chow and fetch a good book to read in the dog house!
Check Out What Happened at The Digital Shift
Catch the highlights from Library Journal’s recent virtual tradeshow, The Digital Shift: Libraries @ the Center and see how they apply to you.
Wayfinding Series: Part 1 of 4
In this first of 4 articles, find out how to use signage to enhance your spaces and reinforce your merchandising and service models. This blog post moves you closer to mastering the art and science of wayfinding and provides resources and ideas for effective and practical signage solutions for your library.
New Approaches to Existing Spaces
Your library space needs everything but a kitchen sink. How do you accomplish multiple renovation projects on a limited budget? Dan Meehan from HBM Architects gives you fresh approaches for reevaluating your layout, proposing changes and supporting your vision for the future.
Wayfinding the San José Way
San José Public Library learned that customer experiences and wayfinding go hand in hand during their district-wide building and renovation project. Ruth Barefoot, Library Consultant, demonstrates the strategies and lessons learned in the journey to improve library service models.
Display Smarts – Retail-style Merchandising Sells Popular Collections
What do your favorite clothing store and your library have in common? Answer: strategic displays — “merchandising” your collection stimulates interest. Master the art of display.
Patrons at the Heart of Studio 300
Studio 300 is Fountaindale Public Library’s answer to what their community needs in a space that allows creation and collaboration. While there is never a typical day at Studio 300, there is a common theme. Patrons use lab resources to curate, create and share their own stories.
Sit Down – Transforming Libraries — Seating with a Purpose
Picking out the right chairs for a room can be tough … but it doesn’t have to be. Use this primer to discover the latest functional, attractive and unique seating options.
Space Planning, Design 103: Choosing Colors, Fabrics and Finishes
Whether planning a space on your own or working with a design team, the elements you include work to bring a space to life. Appropriate colors, fabrics and finishes can also help a space stand the test of time.
Approaches & Ideas for Refreshing Your Library Design
Want budget-friendly library design ideas? Assessing what you have, rearranging furniture and applying a little creativity can go a long way to refresh your library. Guest bloggers, Dan Meehan and Renee Moldovansky with HBM Architects provide new insights into assessing the possibilities in your library.
On-trend Products for Today’s Libraries
View trending library furniture that offers flexibility, supports your visual merchandising and creates a recognizable brand identity in your community.
What’s New from 2014 EDspaces?
Find out how EDspaces 2014 reinvented itself, addressing emerging school needs in more visual ways and helping administrators envision flexible-use libraries.
Find Your Way – Draw People into Your Library & Back Again
Strategic signage and graphics go a long way in helping people know where they are and where they’re going. It’s the foundation for efficiency, self-empowerment and a positive experience. Learn more about the art and science of wayfinding.
Make It Last: Choosing Colors, Fabrics & Finishes
Not sure how to choose enduring colors and finishes for your spaces? Looking for practical advice on how to make your library dazzle, yet hold up to the raucous demands of everyday use? This webinar provides the guidance you need.
Make Your Own Makerspace
Maybe you know what a makerspace is or maybe you don’t — either way, your gears will be turning during this on-demand webinar as you hear how your library can be a place of creation, not just consumption.
The Bubbler: An Innovative New Programming Model
Madison Public Library in Wisconsin has developed a flexible model that suits the needs of their community well and can also be deployed in their branch libraries. Tana Elias shares insights surrounding the development of their program and what they are learning from their program.
Innovative New Products Support Emerging Library Trends
As libraries continue their shift to dynamic community centers, they’re linking residents to information, services, technology and other people within their own community and globally.
Collaborative Spaces
Collaboration has become a way of life and it needs spaces where it can come alive! Watch this webinar to learn what it takes to develop progressive and effective collaborative spaces in your library.
Space Planning, Design 102: Implementing Your Plan
Execution of an interior space renovation is never seamless. However, after completing proper planning and taking several steps in the implementation process, you can feel confident to complete it as a DIY project.
Space Planning, Design 101: Getting Started
Beginning an interior renovation project can be an overwhelming endeavor that might seem impossible to complete as a DIY project. However, by following a series of simple steps, libraries can feel confident in making interior space changes that will meet the evolving needs of their customers.
How to Connect with Teens and Make Them Feel Welcome
A friendly staff, welcoming space, technology and interesting programs make your library space a desirable destination for teens. Teens want a place for self-guided, interest-driven learning — a place of exploration that is intertwined with sharing and learning from others.
A Library Refresh Supports New Ways of Learning
Hawthorne Elementary’s library was only 10 years old when they realized that if they wanted to stay relevant amidst rapid change, they needed to take a good look at their space, resources and what their students and faculty needed. It was time to refresh their space.
Innovations in Teen Spaces
Whether your budget is big or small, this webinar can help you create the ultimate teen space! Library consultant, Kimberly Bolan Cullin, updates you on new teen space trends, digital creativity and interactivity, collaboration spaces and more.
Beyond Whiteboards and Study Rooms: Taking Collaborative Spaces to the Next Level
With today’s technology we can collaborate anytime, anywhere, and with anyone around the globe. We need spaces that elevate working collaboratively. For libraries, providing furniture that supports group work or a white board and monitor on the wall of a study room are a good start.
5 Steps To Redefining Your Library
For many people, libraries remain synonymous with books. They are unaware of the innovative programs, services, resources and appealing spaces available for people of all ages. This article focuses on ways you can strengthen your position in the community and increase awareness about all you offer.
Zoning in on Children’s Spaces: Engaging Your Youngest Visitors
Looking to develop more engaging and interactive spaces for children of all ages? This webinar can help you utilize best practices for space planning, technology integration and design at your library.
Zoning Your Space For Kids Age 0 to 12
Over the past ten years, planning and designing children’s libraries has shifted from being book-centric to multidimensional spaces that include imaginative play areas, guided explorations, gaming zones and media centers with a variety of technologies.
Rethink & Re-envision: Dramatic Redesigns of Existing Spaces
What does your dream library look like? Tune into this webinar to find out how you can turn your library of tomorrow into your library of today. Smart design solutions, real-life renovation stories and tips on how to revamp existing spaces.
Innovative Library: Poplar Creek Public Library
Undergoing a major remodel in 2009, the Poplar Creek Public Library worked with their existing 44,000-square foot building, more than doubling their space to 96,000 square feet with an addition, while keeping the needs and desires of their residents in mind.
Innovative Library: Barrington Area Library, Barrington, IL
Getting ready to undergo a complete remodel, the Barrington Area Library is looking forward to completely rethinking the layout of their library and innovating within their existing building shell. Even without going through this full scale plan, it is obvious that library staff continually innovate and try new things throughout their spaces.
Innovative Library: Ela Area Public Library, Lake Zurich, IL
Though it is housed in a relatively new building (2002), the Ela Area Library continues to actively update their spaces and services to keep pace with the ever changing needs of their customers.
Visual Merchandising – It’s More Than Just Display
Visual merchandising has become a hot topic in 21st century libraries. As the focus shifts from warehousing materials to creating spaces for people, a change in emphasis surrounding the visual impact of the library makes sense. We all like to feel welcome in the spaces that we frequent, and the visual appearance of each space often elicits an emotional response.
Making Over an Existing Space: Barclay Elementary School
The Barclay School was built in the 1950s, and the most recent update to the library had taken place in 1993 when the carpet was replaced and the black steel shelving was painted white. This project provided the DEMCO Interiors design team with the challenge of creating an inviting age- and size-appropriate library environment for the school’s second- and third-grade students on a small budget.
Creating Inspired Spaces on a Limited Budget
With a bit of imagination, we have found that it is possible to do a little refreshing and get more mileage out of a space that has become dated or is less than inspiring. Even though it isn’t always the ultimate solution, a modest investment can often make enough of a difference to start prompting other changes.
Integrating Technology in Active Learning Spaces
Designing active, flexible learning spaces that get kids excited about learning is important for engaging young minds.
Advocating Innovation and Inspiring Change in the Library
Recent visits to several Chicago-area libraries demonstrated that innovation can take a variety of forms. Technology is the most obvious, but we also discovered many other ways the library is innovating to better serve their customers and remain viable long into the future.
Innovative Library: YouMedia – Chicago Public Library
Recognized as an effective, “game-changing” program, YouMedia sees as many as 400-500 kids a week who come to spend time pursuing a variety of activities.