Study Space

As at Angus Glen, the Markham Village Library provides a range of study spaces, including 8 study rooms, and study tables and chairs at several points on the upper level. The mobile study tables (on lockable casters) were designed by the architect Shoalts and Zaback, and fabricated by Allwood Carpentry Manufacturing. The study chairs are the Piretti Xylon Chair from KI.

Seating Areas

The Markham Village Library has many casual seating areas, providing spaces for socializing, reading or informal study and laptop use, and positioning the branch as a "third place" - a community place outside of home and work where people choose to spend their time. On the Library's west elevation, overlooking the cenotaph park, we have a series of sunny window bays filled with welcoming and comfortable seating. The armchairs are Morgan from Keilhauer, covered in durable leatherette.

Casting Off the Cold

All kinds of things can happen in a library designed to be the community's living room - from social events to author readings, book club meetings, and more. Markham Village Library was designed to be a "third place" for its community - a place outside of work and home where people can come together. By providing comfortable seating, natural light, and a welcoming atmosphere, the library becomes a place for things like the weekly meetings of Casting Off the Cold, a volunteer organization whose members knit and crochet winter apparel for the unfortunate in the community.

Waiting for Opening Time

From the moment we opened the doors on December 15, 2007, Markham Village Library became a popular community destination, and is now our second busiest branch, with customers lining up as they wait for opening time.

Chairs for the Kids Space

Furniture for the Kids Space needed to be all about fun, while also being comfortable, sturdy and hard-wearing. We went with Kloud Armchairs from Neinkamper, upholstered in tough blue leatherette. Soft Leaf sidetables from Steelcase add another punch of bright colour.

Computer Chairs

For our computer workstation seating, we chose the comfortable Cachet Swivel Chair on casters, made by Steelcase.

Info Desks

Our Info Desks - mobile, nimble, and streamlined - are designed to support welcoming and proactive information services. They reflect a shift in our service model for Information Services - rather than sitting at a traditional intimidating fortress-like "Reference Desk" and waiting for customers to approach them, our staff are trained to rove the service area offering assistance at point of need. It's all about going to where the customer is rather than waiting for the customer to come to us. The small flexible Info Desk (or Service Point) provides an efficient home base for roving staff. It features lockable casters for easy moving, and is height-adjustable. It was designed by project architect Shoalts and Zaback Architects Ltd and fabricated by Allwood Carpentry Manufacturing.