Creating A Functional Library
This month, we’ve already discussed the necessary pieces of furniture a library needs. Now, let’s take a closer look at how to utilize that furniture to make the library a space where students can grow and learn! As School Library Month draws to a close, we have put together a list of the best tips from professionals to help you arrange and decorate a library to create an optimal learning environment for your students.
Create a logical flow. A library needs to be organized in such a way so that finding resources or easy reads is simple. Traditionally, this is done using the Dewey Decimal System. If your library has seen better days and needs a hard reset, the easiest way to tackle this task is to pull all of the books from the shelves and start organizing them into piles. Then, use stickers to label the spines of the books with their Dewey Decimal number and an annotation of the author’s last name. You can further classify books within your school’s data base by publisher, publish date, and other relevant information.
Reset your collection. A library should have the most up-to-date information, as well as the classics that will always remain staples in education. Each year, it’s important to comb through the collection your library has and to get rid of books with outdated information. It’s also important to look out for books that may be worn or damaged in any way. Certain dated items that aren’t useful anymore should be taken off of shelves to preserve valuable space, and either recycled or kept in an archive.
Provide adequate lighting. Of course, a library needs proper lighting. If your library has individual desks, each setting might require a small desk lamp that provides horizontal lighting. Overhead lighting should provide enough vertical lighting so that students and teachers can properly see books, computer screens, and each other! If your library setting has windows, blinds are necessary to prevent too much glare from the sun throughout the day. When it comes to window treatments in a school setting, you want something stylish and functional that can withstand damage small children might cause to them.
Install safe and efficient shelving. When it comes to displaying your library’s collection, the shelving units used should be constructed and installed with safety in mind. Shelving units that line walls should be anchored to prevent them from tipping over. Heavy items should not be placed on the tops of lower shelving units, as they can easily be pulled down by young children and cause damage to the child or the book. If the shelving units your library utilizes have sharp corners, cover them with protective rubber or foam to prevent small children from injury.
Spark imaginations and inspire with decor. The library should be bright and inviting to all students who enter, making the decorations one of the most important aspects of a library’s setup. According to the experts at CertaPro Painters of Lower Makefield, a library should be painted in a bright color that evokes the excitement that learning provides. Many librarians choose to decorate a bulletin board each month with upcoming school events, famous author’s birthdays, or fun facts about literature. This space can also be used to honor students who have performed exceptionally or celebrate outstanding teachers for their achievements.
Celebrate School Library Month with these library optimizing tips!
Library Furniture
Many people enter a library to further their knowledge on a certain subject, while others simply wish to escape from their everyday stresses. Whether you’re seeking refuge in a home library or headed to your school campus to study, a library is a quiet sanctuary where knowledge and productivity are abundant. The atmosphere of a library is essential, and how a library is furnished plays a large role in that.
In honor of School Library Month, Jaron’s wanted to touch on the importance of furniture within a library. Read on to discover the furniture we offer that is a perfect fit for any library!
Lounge areas are a great spot in a library to get comfortable and dive into the latest novel. The Alfresco Chair would be perfect around any coffee table in a library. Not only are the colors vibrant, but the plush cushions are so comfortable you may never want to leave them.
The Sonoma table and chairs would be put to great use in a workspace. The table is large and sturdy enough to fit at least six people working simultaneously. There is enough room for patrons to bring their laptops and paperwork and get down to business. Plus, its oak coloring is perfect for a library.
What’s a library without bookshelves? The Cross Island Collection comes in three different sizes and has a beautifully detailed richness that enhances whatever space they occupy. These shelves can be lined with books, magazines and periodicals of different sizes. If it is a home library you’re looking to set up, you can add photos or sculptural pieces to the shelves for some added flair.
If you’re looking for additional storage for organizing card and media files, there is no more need for the boring, old metal filing cabinets of the past. The Lobink File Cabinet is a sleek, contemporary piece that still serves its office function.
For those who like to work alone, the Hamlyn Small Leg Desk might be the spot for them. It is a very traditional, yet elegant desk that is most suitable for those who are looking for their own space. These desks can be scattered around a school library in little nooks to optimize privacy, or placed in the center of your home library as a stand out piece.
Here at Jaron’s Furniture Outlet, we are happy to accommodate all of your furniture needs, whether you’re furnishing a home library or a school library. We offer unbeatable prices and a variety of selections to choose from. Say goodbye to your traditional library furniture and create a modern space with Jaron’s Furniture today!
Moving Furniture Safely
Are you ready to move? If you answered that question with a grumble or a groan then you’ve most likely had to move before and loathe the idea of doing it again. Moving is time consuming and draining, but when managed properly you can lessen the strain. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you have to pack up.
Safety Materials – Drop cloths, furniture sliders, back braces, furniture straps or ropes, and dollies (hand trucks) should be used whenever possible to prevent injury and damage to items. You can never have too much when it comes to padding for your furniture and boxed items.
Teamwork – If you plan on moving lots of furniture, make sure you have lots of help. Don’t try to move all of it alone and know the limits of what you can carry. Moving heavy furniture and items can wear you down quickly, so be sure to take a break when you need it. If you’re moving anywhere in Bucks County, the experts at Mooney’s Moving are prepared to help you move safely and efficiently!
Remove Drawers/Shelves – Don’t try to move furniture with drawers still inside or shelving still intact. Always take out items from furniture to be moved and place them in sturdy boxes. Remove shelves that aren’t bolted into shelving units and drawers from dressers and bureaus. Basically, if you put it together, you should take it apart when you move. Disassembling furniture reduces the chances of damaging it and saves space in the moving van. If your furniture came pre-assembled, then wrap it up as much as possible. Use bubble wrap for legs and plastic sheeting for fabrics.
Lift, Don’t Drag – Always use your legs when lifting furniture or heavy boxes. Also, don’t drag any furniture or you might damage it and the flooring. Use furniture sliders or have someone help you lift the item.
Wrap Items – Use bubble wrap for moving delicate and fragile items and wrap fabric furniture such as sofas and armchairs in plastic sheeting to protect it from being damaged. Large, heavy items such as mirrors should be wrapped in a moving blanket and moved vertically, not horizontally, to protect the frame.
Stack Items By Weight – Pack the moving truck or van from back to front and heavy to light. Place heavy items on the floor of the moving truck and lighter items on top. By the same token, keep awkward furniture and décor on the sides of the truck and have them strapped down if necessary.
There’s no easy button to push that can magically have all of your precious possessions moved in the blink of an eye. However, by planning out your move and giving yourself the time needed to pack properly with the right tools will surely help make your moving day less stressful than you anticipated.
Creative Toy Storage Ideas
If you’re a parent, you know how many toys your child pulls out to play with on a daily basis. The trouble with all of those toys is finding a place to keep them when the day ends, or when you have company over. Believe it or not, you probably own a number of toy-storing solutions already! Jarons has put together a list of ideas that you can utilize in your home to keep your children’s toys organized.
Trundle Beds: These beds have the capability of storing an extra mattress underneath the main structure of the bed. Instead of stowing an extra mattress, you can convert this space into toy storage. Simply remove the mattress from the trundle base and insert dividers or flat bins to keep your child’s toys organized.
Shoe Racks: Your young child probably doesn’t have 24 pairs of shoes, but that doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from an over-the-door shoe rack! From small trinkets to bulkier action figures and dolls, a clear shoe rack can be an organizing miracle for your child’s bedroom.
Food Jars: When it comes to storing your child’s toys, utilizing clear storage is the best option. Recycle mason jars (or any kind of empty container from your kitchen) to store your child’s trinkets in. Paint the tops with fun colors and use puffy paint to label the fronts of the jars. Be sure to leave a majority of the jar uncovered so your child can easily find what they are looking for.
Hampers: If a traditional looking toy box clashes with your interior decor, there are other options for storing bulky toys! Use a decorative hamper to hide large toys like play swords, princess wands, or stuffed animals.
Desk Space: If your child’s room is large enough for a play table or a small desk, make sure it has ample space for drawer storage. You can also find seating that doubles as a storage unit to place around the table. Certain toys, like coloring books, can be displayed on the table for consistent easy access, but avoid cluttering the table with too many toys.
Shelving: Never underestimate the power of wall storage. Bonus – when it comes to wall storage, the options are endless! You can choose traditional shelving for a contemporary look, or go for something more modern and hang baskets from the wall to stow toys in. It all comes down to your creativity. If you see something that you can convert into storage, use it!
Maintain organization of your child’s toys with these storage tips from Jarons Furniture.
Smart Furniture for Small Spaces
Living in a small home or apartment can be challenging when it comes to furniture. Space is limited, making it vital to choose only functional furniture pieces that you need. Jarons has put together a guide to choosing furniture for small living spaces. Read on to figure out which furniture pieces will best suit you and your living quarters!
Create hidden storage in everyday furniture pieces. That ottoman that you use to rest your feet on and convert into a table when you entertain can serve another purpose! Utilize it for storage, to stow extra linens or pillows inside of. Use a bench in your dining room or kitchen to sit on, and store extra place settings inside of it. Find ways to utilize all of the space in your home, including the void spaces in your furniture pieces!
Utilize multipurpose pieces. Opt for furniture that serves more than one purpose. For example, an ottoman can serve as a table when you entertain, or a bunk bed could have a mattress on top and a desk underneath. When you’re cramped for space, these pieces of furniture will help you remain functional while also saving space.
Arrange furniture away from the walls. Placing tables and couches flush against a wall can make a space feel smaller than it truly is. If you’re arranging furniture in a small home or apartment, create a unique space in the center of the room by arranging the furniture away from the walls to give the room volume.
Use your walls for storage. Make the most of your floor space with plenty of shelving. Whether you like to organization of a floor-to-ceiling bookcase or prefer the clean lines of simple shelving, line your walls with storage space. Avoid cluttering your shelves, as this can make a small room feel cramped.
Take advantage of color. The experts at CertaPro Painters of Akron suggest a simple way to make a small space appear larger – match the color of your furniture to the color your walls. The furniture will seemingly disappear into the walls, making the space appear more open!
Invest in nesting tables. If you’re tight on space but want the extra table room, nesting tables are the perfect solution. Another option is to utilize an end table that is equipped with a drawer and small shelving underneath. This end table has a pull-out tray and lower shelf storage, perfect for small spaces.
Make the most of your small living space with these furniture tips from Jarons! Check out our selection of functional furniture today.