Chelmsford Library

Chelmsford's new children's library and families hub

It was designed to become a one-stop shop, bringing families together with library staff, family hub health and childcare workers, as well as staff from other support agencies, to deliver a full range of services. 

FG Library & Learning were briefed to create an innovative design that would underpin the team’s goals: to celebrate reading; inspire and engage young children; encourage learning and digital literacy; and enhance wellbeing to help local families live healthier, happier lives.

A bespoke help desk, tiered story stage and large sensory space with calming bubble tubes and fibre optics were designed and built. Bespoke shelving with cubbyhole hideaways and a tactile sensory StoryWall have made the space truly engaging for small children, with plenty of comfy seating for a parent and child to share a book.

The teen area includes a very popular large social workspace with integrated charging for BYO devices, along with a quieter study booth, perfect for group working.

Attractive Elements display units are used to cross promote books across all the zones, while the contemporary seating, and bright, fresh and autism-friendly colours make this a modern, attractive environment, perfect for all ages.