If you're a regular reader of our blogs, you know we've talked a lot about how libraries are changing. Still places of research and reflection, they're also evolving into social hubs, spaces with meeting rooms, whiteboards, and the digital connectivity people expect. But there's something even bigger happening: Libraries are becoming places people actually want to spend time in.
That shift is sparking a new wave of library design trends, ideas that challenge old assumptions about what a library should look like. Can a library be both functional and beautiful? A space for study and socializing? We think so. Let's talk about what's possible.
The 21st Century Library is more than just bookshelves (though of course, those are important too). Instead, it's about rethinking how space can serve people. At Patterson Pope, we work with longtime industry leader Spacesaver to custom-design modern shelving and storage solutions that support how libraries function today.
Together, we help libraries make room for community workspaces, cafés, and interactive areas that foster learning, connection, and creativity. Here are a few ways those ideas come to life:
Modern library design is as much about making a statement as it is about making room. That's why details like end panels, lighting, and custom finishes are always part of the storage equation — they reinforce the themes of your library's design. These elements help shelving feel like a cohesive part of the architecture, not an afterthought.
At Patterson Pope, we work with Spacesaver to make sure storage systems don't just serve a function, but enhance the overall design. It's one of the ways library design trends are evolving: shelving as style, not just storage.
Libraries are still about books. Volumes. Tomes. Call them what you will, but — despite the rise of digital media — paper books remain the heart of the library. And when it comes to storing these essential items, Patterson Pope offers numerous options tailored to your library's needs.
Whether you're storing rare collections, expanding a public branch, or just adapting to new library design trends, we've got options built to support your mission:
At one university, a professor pointed out the designated space for his students' creative work: a small room in the library basement, tucked down a dim hallway that most people avoided altogether. The space was so uncomfortable and uninviting that it actively discouraged visitors. No one lingered. No one browsed. It was a forgotten corner that made the work inside feel forgotten too.
Collections — whether they're student projects or archival treasures — deserve better. They deserve to be seen, shared, and celebrated.
That's why library design matters. And it's why working with a partner who understands the unique needs of library spaces makes all the difference. From space assessments and design to installation and support, Patterson Pope is here to help you create a space where collections — and people — thrive.
And the best part? No surprise endings.
Want to start a conversation? Contact a Patterson Pope representative today.