We originally equipped the Park Ridge Public Library back in the 1950s and their addition in the 70s

By 1996, the library wanted to reconfigure their current collection to accommodate for videos and CDs, provide computer workstations, and replace certain reading tables and lounge seating.

After an extensive analysis, we reconfigured their furniture layout to maximize space while accommodating for more practical patron usage patterns because Park Ridge is a community that heavily utilizes their library. This project was completed over a three year period to maximize their budget and minimize any inconveniences to patrons and staff.

The basic furniture design from the 1950s was updated with a newer version of the traditional line - Medallion 82. Medallion design uses smooth curved edges, and tops that have a distinct wood rail with an ebony brown reveal. This design has a soft, clean contemporary feel that never becomes boring or dated. Meanwhile, we added more steel shelving using specific types of multi-media shelves to draw the patrons attention to the newer video and CD collections.

The carpet and window treatments were selected by one of the communities interior designers who used rich, warm greens with complimentary accent colors. From there, the library chose fabrics for all their lounge seating to coincide with the color theme.

"I am very pleased with the new computer carrels...The finish matches all of our other funiture and the adjustable heights [work surfaces] give us total flexibility to create stand up and sit down stations throughout the building"
- Janet Van De Carr, Assistant Librarian for Information Services

"Of all of the changes that we made during our interior renovation, I think some of the greatest improvements were in the shelving of the audiovisual materials...We have seen an increase in the circulation of our videos since we placed them on these new shelves. We also like the stepped shelves for the audio cassettes and the pull-out drawers for the compact discs. Both areas make it very easy for patrons to browse."
- Janet Van De Carr, Assistant Librarian for Information Services

See what they have to offer at the Park Ridge Public Library web site. or, go back to the project gallery.