The evolving nature of libraries extends beyond universities and civic centers. Even on military bases, libraries are transforming from traditional book repositories into multi-purpose spaces that offer educational services, meeting areas, and internet access. This shift requires innovative library storage solutions tailored to the unique needs of military personnel and their families.
Now serving at the Air Force Services Center in San Antonio, Texas, Angela Aschenbrenner was the Director of Collections for the Joint Base Charleston Library when the United States Air Force began updating its military base libraries. Having been through library renovations before, Aschenbrenner understood and appreciated the changing design and role of library spaces.
"We really only had basic guidelines from the Air Force: shelving units had to be no more than 60" high, and they had to be wood," said Aschenbrenner. "They didn't dictate that we use specific colors or anything like that. Every base has different requirements of their libraries, so the leadership was flexible about allowing us to design around our needs."
Creating an Inviting Space
Serving approximately 25,000 patrons a year, the 7,000-square-foot space needed a more open and inviting layout.
"To make the libraries more inviting and appealing, the Air Force is reformatting these spaces," explained Ben McCollum, the Patterson Pope sales representative who helped Aschenbrenner with the project. "Part of it is offering a more wide-open space. Part of it is, ironically, having fewer books on the shelves. It's all about offering more open space, more seating, and more computer stations. Think more 'bookstore' and less 'traditional library.'"
McCollum and Aschenbrenner worked together to outfit the space with a library book shelving system that offers a sense of calm, a bit of fun, and a dose of modernity. The new 60" shelves, replacing the older 82" shelving, improved sightlines, brought in more light, and made the space feel more expansive.
"The wood shelves definitely add personality," said Aschenbrenner. "We used black shelves in the front for a bold impression and natural wood in the children's section for a fun feel. The custom circulation desk combined both styles."
Reusing and Revamping Shelving
The design also included repurposing some metal shelving from a previous renovation to enhance the space.
"We reused a lot of Spacesaver cantilever shelving. We just revamped it and used it against the walls, integrating it into the overall design of the space. We added wood and panels to match the all-wood shelving in another area. It really turned out nice," added McCollum. "In addition to the shelving, Angela was doing new paint, carpeting, furniture, and more. It's a whole new interior, and it looks great."
Culling the Collection
Reducing a library's collection can be challenging, even when it's necessary for modernization.
"When the library storage project started, we had about 40,000 items," recalled Aschenbrenner. "Having worked with Patterson Pope on book moves before, I knew I could trust them to make the experience as stress-free as possible. Judy Baker (Patterson Pope safety and records logistics manager) and her team did a wonderful job of carefully removing and storing materials in 40' storage containers and then putting them back on the new shelving when everything was complete.
Determining which items to cull was difficult, but essential for achieving the library's new look and functionality.
"Getting rid of some of our collection was tough, especially because a lot of it was circulating well," said Aschenbrenner. "But we had the benefit of having another library nearby and could transfer some of our collection there. Because we're going with that 'bookstore' feel, our materials are newer. So, if there's a series of books, we might only have the latest ones. Luckily, we can rely on our other libraries for the rest."
A Trusted Partnership
This was the third time Aschenbrenner and McCollum have worked together on this kind of project. Familiarity built comfort.
This renovation was the third collaboration between Aschenbrenner and McCollum, building a solid partnership based on mutual trust and understanding.
“I like that Patterson Pope really listens to what we want,” said Aschenbrenner. “They care about their customers. They’re available and helpful. They answer your questions and if there are ever any problems, they're quick to respond. I never worried about something not being addressed or done to my satisfaction. With projects of this size, there are always issues. But I had the confidence to know that things would be taken care of efficiently.”
For McCollum, the feeling was mutual.
“Angela had a really good idea of what she wanted. With library storage, that kind of preparedness is always helpful,” he said. “To be able to take what somebody has in mind and make it a reality is a special feeling. A lot of that comes from experience. This was a fun project, albeit challenging at times. The results speak for themselves.”
Final Thoughts
This project highlights how libraries can leverage innovative library book shelving systems to create a modern, inviting space. The partnership between Patterson Pope and the Charleston Air Base Library demonstrates how thoughtful design and flexible solutions can transform any library into a vibrant, multi-functional space.
To learn more about this project, check out the case study. And, if you're interested in how library book shelving solutions can help your library, contact a representative from Patterson Pope today.
