Inspiring learning

Vale Libraries have been chosen to take part in the Inspiring Learning For All (ILFA) development programme sponsored by CyMAL. The programme will help us look at all aspects of learning in libraries and help us examine ways in which we can place learning at the centre of what we do.

Catherine Herman, the lead consultant on the programme, joined a group of library staff for our inaugural meeting at the county library today. We will meet with Catherine several times over the coming months and also meet with the other three organisations selected to take part in the programme. They are Denbighshire Heritage Service, Flintshire Museums Service / Greenfield Valley Trust and the Museum and Culture Service, Isle of Anglesey.

Red seat

The architects designed a low wall to shape the children's area. Red seating has been provided along this curved wall.

Stamping dates

The library at the leisure centre will be closed 3 weeks from today and remain closed until the new county library opens on the 4th January. Any books stamped out from today will have a return date in January 2007. People will of course be able to return or borrow books from any other library in Vale of Glamorgan during this time.

Signage

A lot of thought has been given to directional signage for the library. We started with a list that included signs for most areas of the building but by a process of discussion and elimination we’ve managed to reduce this down to the most appropriate signs. Some areas of the library call out for signage and others are just too obvious to sign. As well as the signs themselves, the naming of areas has caused some debate. Should we use computer room or computer suite? What do we call an area that contains large print and talking books but also some crime books? Do we stick with Youth Area or wait for young people to name the area themselves?

We met two signage companies this morning and looked at their products and costs. We will use several different types of signs, some of them tactile. There will be welcome signs above the library counters, metal plates for door numbers and names, a graphic for toilet doors, a banner to pinpoint the Lolfa, a freestanding directional sign at the foot of the stairs, a list of main library areas beside the lift, and a few signs hanging from the ceilings.

There are large areas of clear glass in the library and as well as ordering signage in the next week or two we will need to order manifestations. These are the round white circles you see on glass to stop people walking into them. We’ll have manifestations around the entrance, on the computer room wall, on the clear glass doors to the library courtyard and on the wall of glass that divides us from the exhibition space.

Children's Library

The children’s library has been designed with a wall to house a TV and PlayStation. The wall will also house a wash-up area and shelves to store craft supplies and cushions. Children and staff will be able to wash their hands after activities and shut the wash-up area away behind a sliding door when not it use. The bespoke units were delivered last Friday and the fitting is going well.

Samples

Various chair samples

Attic2 visited today with an example of their plan chair and flight chair. They were extremely comfortable and will look good in the Lolfa. We plan to order these and will also order furniture from the allermuir range from BOF.

Round window

The children's library has a den area which looks out towards the Lolfa.