Library Design | News

Bretford Intros New Line of Library Furniture

• By Kanoe Namahoe
• 02/06/13

Bretford Manufacturing, a provider of technology-enabled furniture, has unveiled its new line of library furniture, the Library 2.0 series, at this week's TCEA 2013 conference in Austin, TX.

Library 2.0, designed for school libraries, student commons, and public libraries, includes movable seating, tables, and desks with built-in access to power and data. The goal of the new line, according to Bretford vice president Phil Coultier, is to enable schools and libraries to create flexible learning spaces that support social interaction and collaboration.

"Today’s library is not just about books or a place to study —it’s a dynamic place that revolves around mobility and collaboration," said Coultier in a prepared statement from the company. "Students use the library to socialize, work on group projects and just hang out. Library attendance is up in the digital age because the library now serves as a social space as much as a research and learning space so it is critical that the furnishings in it reflect and support this new reality."

At the center of Bretford's new line is its Foster Series circulation desk. Available in 32- and 39-inch heights, the Foster desk features a teaming surface—to support communication and information viewing from both sides of the desk—as well as built-in power access and optional locking storage cabinet. The optional Bretford Fluid Power Up System can be attached to the work surface to charge or power multiple devices from a single outlet. The storage cabinet fits under the work surface and can be outfitted with a power strip.

Additional components of the Library 2.0 series include:

• Explore teaming table with large display at one end and seating for up to five,
• Motiv soft seating available in single, two-, and three-seat configurations,
• Explore collaborative laptop tables with casters and built-in power strip, and
• Explore computer tables with casters and capability to daisy chain power for multiple tables.

With its new line, Bretford is offering a Library Specification Guide with advice for updating or outfitting a library.

The company plans to ship the new line starting next month. Additional information is available at Bretford's Web site.