Planning for Library Spaces

Moving in at Converse County Library in Douglas.

This year, we’ve seen the Johnson County Library open a beautiful expansion. Right now, Converse County Library in Douglas is relocating from its temporary digs to its just-completed new main library building. And Sundance Elementary is starting the school year in a new school with a new library.

Every library should have a long-range plan to ensure adequate and appropriate space for the services its community will need. This might mean an expansion or a new building, or it might simply mean working to rearrange the space you have to make room for a teen room, makerspace, or expanded computer services. Whatever your space planning needs, there are resources out there to help you meet them. Here are a few we’ve corralled:

• Public Libraries
  • WebJunction – space planning topic area
  • Public Library Space Needs: A Planning Outline / 2009
  • Transforming Library Spaces for Community Engagement
  • YALSA National Teen Space Guidelines
  • Five Tips for Planning Teen Spaces
  • Creating Spaces that Celebrate Every Child Ready to Read 2
• School Libraries
  • School Library Design Resources (Wyoming State Library)
  • Envisioning New Library Spaces (American Association of School Libraries)
  • Some Design Considerations When Building or Remodeling a Media Center
  • Divine Design: How to Create the 21st-Century School Library of your Dreams
• Academic Libraries
  • Academic Library Building Design: Resources for Planning (Association of College & Research Libraries)
  • 12 Major Trends in Library Design

There are many space planning titles in the Wyoming State Library professional collection. Search WYLDCAT for resources, or contact WSL School Library Consultant Paige Bredenkamp at paige.bredenkamp@wyo.gov or (307) 777-6331 for help.

More questions on library space planning? Our library development office can help. Contact Interim State Librarian Jamie Markus at jamie.markus@wyo.gov or (307) 777-5914.