Maximizing Learning Spaces, Or How to MacGyver Your Library

Maximizing Learning Spaces logo

This project took place from fiscal year 2017 to 2019. This page includes lists projects from the Maximizing Learning Spaces or How to MacGyver Your Library programs and additional resources on the program. Please note, the page may not include the most current information available.

Overview

The Maximizing Learning Spaces or How to MacGyver Your Library project was a collaboration between the California State Library and the Southern California Library Cooperative to help public libraries evaluate, reimagine, and furnish underutilized library spaces to maximize their potential for reading, literacy, and learning.

From fiscal year 2017 to 2019, California libraries were provided the opportunity to participate in designing or furnishing a library space through this project:

  • Opportunity for Design: Up to $10,000 to develop a design and plan that re-imagines a space
  • Opportunity for Furnishings: Up to $10,000 for new, movable furnishings to realize an existing plan for a space

This project was inspired by community aspirations raised at the 2016 Public Library Directors’ Forum and by OCLC’s Small Libraries Create Smart Spaces project.

Design Highlights

Two photos of the same library space with different Before and After furnishings. Top photo of Before change: Round wooden tables and chairs, and a sitting area with a couch and two large chairs. Bottom photo of after change: Square wooden tables on coasters and chairs, with small bookshelves interspersed.

Two photos of the same library space with different Before and After furnishings. Top photo of Before change: Bookshelves with round wooden tables and chairs in the back. Bottom photo of After change: Small bookshelf and table on coasters, with tables and chairs in the back.

Two photos of the same library space with different Before and After furnishings. Top photo of Before change: Two large chairs in a sitting area with bookshelves in the back. Bottom photo of After change: Square wooden tables and chairs, extra seating, and a small bookshelf.

Two photos of the same library space with different Before and After furnishings. Left photo of Before change: Photo of a study space with table and chairs. Right photo of After change: Photo of children’s learning space with bins, mat, and a screen

Resources

Project Information

2019/20 Participating Libraries

  • Contra Costa County Library (Design)
  • Corona Public Library (Design)
  • El Segundo Public Library (Design)
  • Huntington Beach Public Library (Design)
  • Mendocino County Library (Design)
  • Monterey County Free Libraries (Design)
  • San Diego Public Library (Design)
  • San José Public Library (Design)
  • Santa Clarita Public Library (Design)
  • El Dorado County Library (Furnishings)
  • Kern County Library (Furnishings)
  • Lincoln Public Library (Furnishings)
  • Mission Viejo Library (Furnishings)
  • Mono County Library System (Furnishings)
  • Nevada County Community Library (Furnishings)
  • Oceanside Library (Furnishings)
  • Santa Clara County Library District (Furnishings)
  • Siskiyou County Library (Furnishings)
  • Tehama County Library (Furnishings)
  • Tulare County Public Law Library (Furnishings)

2018/19 Participating Libraries

2017/18 Participating Libraries

Contact

For questions, contact us at Maximizing Learning Spaces.


The Maximizing Learning Spaces or How to MacGyver Your Library project was supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.