Creating a modern children’s library space with YAKETY YAK Furniture

Libraries have always provided an important space for supporting children’s literacy and self-led learning. However, as modern educational needs continue to evolve, libraries are no longer just about books and have become places for active learning with community programs, digital literacy and maker spaces becoming a key focus.

Consequently, effective use of library space has never been more important. At Yakety Yak Furniture we are committed to providing products that meet the needs of the modern library, now and in the future.  Our pods and desks, with their smart, friendly design, feature mobility and height adjustability, enabling them to adapt easily to support librarians as they run a range of programs for children and teens.

Creating inviting help and information stations

YAKETY YAK Oval 102 teamed with our attention-grabbing Lollipop Illuminated Sign Pole encourages easy interaction.
YAKETY YAK Oval 102 teamed with our attention-grabbing Lollipop Illuminated Sign Pole encourages easy interaction.

Libraries provide a safe space where children are able to explore and learn, always knowing there is a librarian to help. At Yakety Yak Furniture our cosy, curved designs and bright colour options create inviting spaces for children. In addition, height adjustability allows librarians and teachers to work with children naturally, helping them to feel welcome and at home. This is illustrated at Westgate Library, where our YAKETY YAK Oval 103 Pod in a happy yellow, teamed with YAKETY YAK Support Caddy, provides the ideal librarian’s station in their busy children’s library.

YAKETY YAK Oval 103 Pod teamed with YAKETY YAK Support Caddy supports a comfortable atmosphere in the children’s library at Westgate Library.
YAKETY YAK Oval 103 Pod teamed with YAKETY YAK Support Caddy supports a comfortable atmosphere in the children’s library at Westgate Library.

And again, at Waverley Library

YAKETY YAK Oval 102 Pod provides an inviting help point at Waverley Library.
YAKETY YAK Oval 102 Pod provides an inviting help point at Waverley Library.

Creating spaces for interactive learning

In the last few decades, community programs have become an increasingly important part of library services, with approximately 2.5 million children’s programs being offered every year in the United States. There has also been a growing focus on digital literacy and libraries have become a place that provides opportunities for children to build these crucial skills. Consequently, with a more diverse range of services, there is a greater need for the library space to be adaptable, to meet the requirements of both self-led and group learning.

YAKETY YAK Library Pod at Belmont School.

YAKETY YAK 103 and 105 Pods provides a dynamic hub for digital learning at Belmont School.
YAKETY YAK 103 and 105 Pods provide a dynamic hub for digital learning at Belmont School.

Yakety Yak desks provide the ideal solution. As demonstrated by our recent project at Belmont School where our Yakety 100 Series pods were used to provide secure and easy access to iPads for their students. The curved designs encourage children to get involved and learn alongside each other or engage in self-led learning or supply the perfect space for teachers to lead group learning.  Further, height adjustability caters to a wide range of ages, while our mobile options add versatility (especially for small spaces!).

YAKETY YAK 103 Oval Pod facilitates interactive group
YAKETY YAK 103 Oval Pod facilitates interactive group

Children’s library spaces have always been focused on supporting self-led learning and exploration; with modern technology, libraries have new and exciting opportunities to develop their spaces to help equip our kids for the future.

Mobile and versatile YAKETY YAK 202 makes the ideal reference desk at Georgette-Lepage Library of Brossard.
Mobile and versatile YAKETY YAK 202 makes the ideal reference desk at Georgette-Lepage Library of Brossard.

At Yakety Yak Furniture, we have been designing for libraries for over 20 years and are committed to creating products that will continue to adapt to libraries’ changing needs. To learn more about our products, we invite you to explore our range and please feel free to get in touch if you want to learn more.

Written by Paul White, Director of Design – YAKETY YAK Furniture

Resources:
https://journals.ala.org/index.php/cal/article/view/5923/7508
https://joanganzcooneycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/jgcc_famlab_librarians.pdf

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