DESIGNING LIBRARIES
Thornhill primary school library. Photo © Jan Kattein Architects
https://jankattein.com/projects/thornhill-library
Dr Jan Kattein, architect and lecturer, spoke about projects he had been involved in, including a parent-powered school library that saw a community come together to raise funds for a new, inclusive library for children at Thornhill Primary school. The project transformed an unused space on the school site and, as with other speakers on the day, Jan said that the key to unlocking the project was engagement. This time hundreds of pupils created their own designs for the “perfect library”, inspiring both the architects and the school community of parents and children who set about ensuring they would have the funds to be able to make the dream a reality. Over a period of around two years a total of £150,000 was raised enabling the building work to be completed. The project also came with a stark reminder of the power of libraries, with attainment levels at the school shooting up to beat both coun- try and borough averages.
Jan also spoke about another transformative project in Edmonton in the North London borough of Enfield. A tired high street library in an area of high deprivation was the focus of a re-invention that helped to bridge a gap between council-run services and the community. Creating a versa- tile and adaptable space allowed the council to look at how the building could be used more innovatively, and crucially without increasing costs. That adaptability means the library can be reconfigured and transformed into a community hub
in evening, with events and meetings run by local volunteers once the library has closed its doors at the end of the day. Not only has the new library space been a transformative presence during the day-time, innovative thinking, wider engagement and judicious use of wheeled furniture has enabled it to become a safe space in evenings.
Elsewhere there was a plea to eschew furniture that can be endlessly shifted and moved, as Dr Emily Peasgood and Ben Allen spoke about inclusive design and co-production. Working in a small and limited space in St Helens, the pair looked at how they could create a multifunctional space that met the needs of the local community and had inclusion built in. Taking inspiration from its situation and reflecting nature in to the library, the finished designed worked with natural materials, bright colours and tactile surfaces. A central space allows for performance and presentation, but shelves remain fixed while retaining clear sight lines throughout the space. Conversations with residents led to the decision to create a fixed space, allowing the library to incorporate defined areas and giving users a sense of belonging and familiarity. While wheels became a talking point at the conference, the real conclusion was that good design begins with good com- munication and engagement. Once that has been done well, you will know whether your space needs wheels or not. IP
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www.designinglibraries.org.uk
June July 2026
INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL 11
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