Maximizing Learning Spaces, Or How to MacGyver Your Library
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
- The Designer and Furniture Resource Kit contains project scope, design partners, project furniture partners, and other design firms.
Project Information
- 2019/20 Participant Application Guidelines
- 2019/20 Participant Application Questions
- 2019/20 Frequently Asked Questions
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
- Anaheim Public Library
- Inglewood Public Library
- Lompoc Public Library
- Sacramento Public Library
- Santa Monica Public Library
- Sonoma County Library
- South San Francisco Public Library
- Thousand Oaks Library
- Torrance Public Library
- Yolo County Library
2017/18 Participating Libraries
- Alameda County Library
- Beaumont Library District
- Burbank Public Library
- Chula Vista Public Library
- Colusa County Library
- Downey City Library
- Madera County Library
- OC (Orange County) Public Libraries
- Pasadena Public Library
- Riverside Public Library
- San Diego County Library
- Solano County Library
Contact
For questions, contact us at Maximizing Learning Spaces.