Here’s a fast fact – Did you know that more people visit their public library each year in Massachusetts than attend Patriots, Celtics, Bruins and Red Sox games combined? [1]
Yes, it’s true! Libraries are cool!
Libraries are evolving into more than just a place to check out a book or rent a video. Libraries are serving as a hub for communities. Gone are the days of having to stay quiet in a library. The transformation that is taking place is simply amazing.
The graphic on the right shows that Americans feel libraries provide a significant benefit to their communities for supplying them with resource materials and advocating literacy. Best of all – they are free!
Not only are books a large part of the library, but technology is just as important. Patrons come in with their smartphones, tablets, and laptops and require wi-fi and USB ports. With these evolving technologies, furniture with built-in outlets and USB ports can provide the user access to all the information right at their fingertips.
The recent economic downturn sent people searching for jobs to their local libraries to utilize the Internet services and reference materials. According to the Information Policy and Access Center (IPAC), 77.5% of libraries provide support with creating resumes. Public libraries have been joining forces with institutions and organizations at the local, state and national level to strengthen their ability to assist job seekers by offering career services.
The Pew Research Center reported that the younger population, ages 16-29, are becoming regular patrons of their local libraries. They are finding libraries are a great place to go online, study or just meet friends.[2]
Libraries are rebuilding or renovating their layout and interior design. Library furniture needs to be high quality, comfortable and provide flexibility to support the current information technology age. Children’s areas need to be equipped with furniture that is age appropriate and designed to elevate the library experience. Many libraries also serve their communities with meeting space and classrooms and require tables, chairs and even podiums. Library café’s are also gaining in popularity – who doesn’t like to enjoy a cup of coffee while studying, working or chatting with friends.
So, what’s in store for the future of libraries – here’s one more quick fact from the American Library Association ‘Americans go to school, public and academic libraries more than three times more often than they go to the movies’.
Libraries are here to stay.
BCI Modern Library Furniture offers unique furniture options for creating the 21st century library. For more information on planning and designing your library, contact us today.
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[1] Hopkinton Public Library, Libraries in the Digital Age, 2016
[2] Pew Research Center, ‘Younger Americans and Public Libraries, 9/10/2014