The Barrie Public Library’s Painswick branch literally has a new look.
And its new 'discovery layout' makes browsing for books easier.
“The discovery layout replaces linear rows of high traditional shelving with lower curved shelving leading to a continuous sense of exploration and discovery as patrons are drawn through the shelves,” Lauren Jessop, the Barrie Public Library’s chief executive officer, told BarrieToday.
“This new style of shelving is designed to move people forward and tempt the eye with relevant and intuitive signs for every bookcase and enticing face-forward book display throughout the entire library,” she added. “Most patrons choose by browsing and this model makes it easy to find something for every interest.”
Jessop explained the entire Painswick library branch collection is displayed using a discovery layout and, as part of that, the signs above each bookcase highlight the subject areas or topics that can be found beneath — such as Pets, Home, Sports, Business, Build, Make, Entertain, Wellness, Graphic, Teen Fiction, etc.
In addition to improved signs, last year featured collections were introduced across both libraries — including the downtown branch — to highlight books in more than 40 topics across adult, teen and junior collections.
“Featured collections are smaller, curated collections that provide an easy way for people to jump into the collection and see a sampling of our larger offerings,” Jessop said.
In the adult featured collection, there are mystery, romance, thrilling, other worlds, biography, trending, home and Indigenous books, while the teen featured collection offers humour, LGBTQ+ and romance books.
In the junior featured collection, there’s creature feature, vroom, our world, heroes, silly stories, LOL, STEAM, fun facts and make it books.
“Patron feedback about the featured collections has been very positive,” Jessop said. “I love browsing them myself.”
She said there has been an average of 241 people per day since Painswick library fully reopened July 5.
“We plan to celebrate Painswick’s refreshed look later this year, when it is safe to do so,” Jessop said.
For more information, visit barrielibrary.ca.
