Nuneaton Academy – Modern Library Refurbishment

    Overview

Nuneaton Academy commissioned us to revamp their school library with a comprehensive supply and install package – combining functional shelving, flexible storage, soft seating and study furniture, and a welcoming librarian reception area. The aim was to create a modern, flexible library environment that supports traditional reading and study alongside collaborative learning and social use.

    The Vision

Key elements of the brief included:

• Mobile, double-sided library shelving units on wheels (with end-display panels) to help maximise storage capacity while allowing flexibility for library layout.
• Static (fixed) library shelving, finished in colours specified by the college, to provide stable storage for core collections.
• Soft seating and tables to offer students comfortable individual and group study areas.
• A dedicated librarian reception desk / desking, forming a welcoming hub for staff-student interaction and library management.

The overarching goal was to design a library that would not only store books efficiently but also foster a vibrant learning environment – encouraging reading, research, collaboration and community among students.

    The Solution

What We Delivered & How

• We worked closely with the Academy to agree the colour finishes and design style for all shelving and furniture – ensuring the final library matched the school’s brand and provided an attractive, cohesive aesthetic.
• Delivered and installed mobile double-sided shelving units with sturdy lockable castors and end display panels, enabling flexible reconfiguration, efficient space use, and easy access to evolving collections. This mobility means Nuneaton Academy can adapt the library layout as their needs change – for example opening up space for events, study groups or displays. This kind of flexible shelving is widely recognised as a key component of a modern school library: mobile shelving maximises storage without requiring extra footprint, compared with traditional fixed shelving.
• Installed static fixed shelving for the permanent collections – giving a stable, accessible backbone to the library’s bookstock, ideal for frequently used resources and reference materials, and ensuring long-term durability. As noted in school-library design guidance, fixed shelving remains essential for general collections, easy browsing, and stable user access.
• Supplied comfortable soft seating and tables, creating inviting zones for quiet reading, group study, and peer collaboration – supporting the modern trend of libraries as “learning commons” rather than just book storage.
• Built and installed a librarian reception desk / service counter, establishing a clear focal point for library staff, student support, book lending/returns, and overall library management – essential to the functionality of a well-run library space.

Once installed and configured, the library was carefully arranged into functional zones: fixed-shelving for core collections, flexible mobile-shelving to allow expansion or reconfiguration, comfortable seating areas for reading and study, and a welcoming librarian hub for staff and student interaction.

Librarian’s feedback: “The shelves look great and the wheeled ones are very convenient.” This simple remark highlights the success of the project: the library is both visually appealing and practically flexible.

    The Outcome

Impact for Nuneaton Academy & Benefits for Schools Across the Midlands

• Flexible & future-proof: The mobile shelving units allow Nuneaton Academy’s library to grow, adapt or rearrange as the collection or school needs evolve. This means the investment remains valuable over years.
• Space-efficient storage: By combining mobile shelving with fixed shelving, the library maximises storage capacity without compromising open space – allowing for seating, study zones, or community activities. Mobile shelving is a proven method to increase storage and make multi-use of space.
• Improved student experience: Comfortable seating, group-study tables, and a well-designed layout encourage students to use the library – not just as a book store, but as a place to meet, study, collaborate, research, and socialise. This aligns the library with modern educational needs, beyond traditional lending.
• Professional, welcoming environment: A dedicated librarian reception desk gives staff a proper workspace, supports efficient management of loans and returns, and presents a professional, organised face to students and staff.
• A library that reflects school identity: With finishes and colours chosen by the college, the refurbished library blends with the school’s brand and environment – reinforcing a sense of ownership and pride among students and staff.

For schools and colleges across the Midlands and surrounding counties, this kind of refurbishment demonstrates how a library can be transformed from a static collection of books into a dynamic, multifunctional learning hub – providing space, flexibility, comfort and longevity in one investment.

At Polycopy we understand that modern schools need more than just bookcases. We deliver bespoke and standard library shelving systems, combining high-quality fixed shelving, flexible mobile units, comfortable seating and study furniture, and reception desking. Our experience with educational settings ensures our solutions meet the unique demands of school libraries – from storage capacity and accessibility to durability, aesthetics, and flexibility.

If you’re a school or college in the Midlands (or beyond) looking to transform your library into a modern learning space that serves students, supports staff, and adapts for the future – Polycopy is ready to work with you. Contact us to find out more.

    Testimonial

The shelves look great and the wheeled ones are very convenient.

Nuneaton Academy librarian.