Library refurbishment

A huge thank you to all our users who gave valuable feedback about what you wanted the in the library refurbishment. We based our specifications on this feedback and hope you like the finished product.

This refurbishment was funded by the University of Plymouth, who are substantially investing in Horizon Centre facilities for their students on placement, the Library, and the Education Directorate.

Here's what we accomplished

Before	After

You said

You wanted more group study space

We did

We increased group study spaces from 12 to 20 seats including an 8 seater table with a large screen and computer. The other modular desks can be fitted together to create different shapes and sizes, providing maximum flexibility. The floor area for the group study area has been increased by reclaiming some of the space previously used for the Quality Improvement office.

 

Before	After

You said

You wanted individual study rooms

We did

We repurposed the existing Quality Improvement office into 3 study rooms for individual or small group study. Each room comes with a PC, large screen and webcam to enable users to take part in online learning.

Before	After

You said

You wanted an improved wellbeing area and comfy seating

We did

We created a corner of the library designated entirely to the wellbeing collection of novels, non-fiction books, craft and hobby books, video-games, DVDs, jigsaws and colouring resources on comfy armchairs

Before	After

You said

You wanted quiet study spaces with better sized desks

We did

We purchased 4 individual study booths that have wide tables and comfortable seating. Their acoustic design also helps to filter out external noise. We also purchased additional study desks (see photos immediately below).

Before	After

You said

You wanted more PCs and more study desks

We did

We have purchased runs of 14 study desks, providing more individual study spaces. Some of these have computers, others are purely study desks. There are additional new computers in the individual study rooms and an additional computer on the 8-seater group study desk. All study desks and booths and the study rooms have power points and USB charge points.

Before	After

You said

You wanted us to retain the light and airy feel of the library, add more colour and make it more friendly

We did

We have replaced the enquiry desk with a design that is more open and friendly and disability-compliant. We carefully chose the colour scheme for the library to be calming and soothing, and switched finishings to warm wood instead of clinical white. We reduced the height of the book shelves to allow for more natural light to circulate and to create the feeling of more space.

 

What we were not able to do

You asked for a kitchenette area within the library to help yourselves to hot and cold water and heat up food. However, the cafe redevelopment on the ground floor now includes hot drinks machines, hot and cold water, snack dispensers and a couple of microwaves to heat up your food. This area is accessible 24/7 using your trust ID badges.

 

Recycling our old furniture

We were keen to find a new home for our old furniture rather than it go to landfill - we are delighted that we were able to give almost all of our old furniture to Mayfield School, which is a local specialist school for children with severe learning difficulties.