Idsall School in Shropshire approached WF Education recently as they wanted a complete reinvigoration of their library space, and they needed it done quickly.
Describing their old library as ‘cluttered, ‘dingy’ and ‘outdated’, the school’s managers wanted a new modern style. They also felt like their space was not utilised to its full potential, despite it being a fantastic space with lots of potential. When surveyed, some students said they liked to visit the library, but a large percentage said they didn’t ever visit the library, stating it was because it was boring and unwelcoming. The idea was to change this perception. WF Education says its aim is always to improve wellbeing and learning outcomes. “Space is a powerful tool to foster engagement, inspire innovation, and drive outcomes” says the company. “Our ethos is to empower those with the responsibility for shaping physical spaces to design future flexible, fit-for- purpose environments that are engaging and inspiring. “We put people at the centre of our work and have developed our own range of modular, mobile, and flexible furniture to provide infinite combinations to fit into any space. The design for Idsall came from decades of problem-solving for librarians and educators.” Using the Everna™ library furniture range, WF Education designed a library that is exciting, comfortable, and welcoming to both students and staff. WF Education wanted to ensure this space met a variety of needs such as: independent study; reading for pleasure; playing board games; socialising; playing games on the internet; and group and collaborative study Students at Idsall range from 11-16, and the specialist contractor’s aim was that after the renovation, they visit the library more often and enjoy the resources it had to offer. Idsall needed this project completed before students returned from the holiday, so WF Education’s installation team completed the work in five working days. The school commented: “The old library was not a very welcoming environment, and we noticed the students weren’t using the library facilities as often as we’d like. The old library had been here for 20 years; it was old and crowded and not the best environment to study in. “The library has been transformed from old, dark and crowded to lovely and bright and open - it’s also wonderful to see the students using it every day.” As the students returned from the holidays they were stunned by the transformation. One commented, “I was honestly amazed, I knew they were making a new library, but I didn’t expect it to be this much better!” Along with the white and grey clad Everna™ shelving, WF Education added bright pops of green with stools to complement to bold paintwork. The spinners plinths matched the grey cladding, and we selected pale grey chairs and bright white collaborative tables in funky shapes to complete the contemporary aesthetic. Since the space reopened, the school has noticed an immediate increase in visitors. “Students are eager to come in and see the changes and tend to hang around more to study, use the computers, and read,” commented the school.
