DESIGNING LIBRARIES


participants. They provided easy-to-read documents, plain text­ screen­ readers­and­ social­ stories­ in­ various­ ­formats­ to ensure the sessions were accessible and inclusive. Craft packs were available to take home for those unable to attend in person, allowing participants to create their own library designs and send photos of their completed ideas. In-person workshops also included a breakout space and sensory room for anyone who needed a quieter environ- ment,­ as­ well­ as­a­range­ of­ tactile­ materials,­ fidget­ toys,­ and noise-cancelling headphones to support comfort and engagement. A key principle of the project has been the importance of speaking directly with people with disabil- ities, rather than only through their carers or parents, to ensure­ their­ voices­ are­ heard­ and­ ­reflected­ in­ the­ final­ design.


Participants attended library design workshops where


they­were­invited­to­design­their­dream­library­using­floor­ plans­as­creative­prompts.­The­emerging­ideas­offer­a­com- pelling glimpse into how libraries can evolve to become more inclusive, imaginative and future-focused. The­library­is­also­a­space­for­relaxation,­socialising­with­ friends,­ playing­ games,­and­ exploring­ different­ forms­ of­ knowledge. It’s not so much about de-centring books as it­ recognises­ that­ knowledge­ exists­ in­ many­ forms.­ The­ design encourages a sense of agency, where people can explore,­


­ learn,­ and­ help­ themselves,­ rather­ than­ being­


overseen in a traditional, hierarchical way. At the same time, it acknowledges librarians’ vital role in the commu- nity, not just as custodians of knowledge, but as trusted figures­who­build­meaningful­relationships­and­engage­in­ everyday conversations with local people.


Autumn 2025


INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL 11


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