Fore Street Living Room Library

including the creation of affordable workspaces and a school street nearby. The Fore Street Library has long been a well-loved public resource on the high street. However, local people were concerned about a lack of training opportunities, community space and safety on the high street at night. Stripping back much of the tired, cluttered elements of the ageing interior allows for a light, airy and flexible internal fitout which continues to support core library functions, while also hosting an expanding range of community and cultural activities. An open shop window space in the front of the Library allows for exhibiting drawings and models for the regeneration of the adjacent estate, as well as hosting talks, presentations and advice surgeries. Beyond the reception area, a series of pivoting bookshelves and mobile work stations allow the entire space to be opened out to host lectures, readings, performances and training sessions. Collaborative working with local fabricators BLOQS was key to achieving simple, robust mechanisms for the CNC machined shelving. During core library hours, the shelves shelter a series of intimate spaces, which can be further enclosed with a heavy curtain to create quiet private moments for smaller groups. In the rear, a new children’s section with elevated reading nooks brings to life the magic of reading, while a tiered platform sets the stage for performances and cultural events to continue into the evening, bringing animation and life to the high street after dark. A simple material palette of warm plywood, coloured stains and deep red curtains create a backdrop for local people and community organisations to make the space their own.