Refresh Your Space with School and Library Supplies That Make an Impact
by Travis Corter, Brodart Copywriter and Niki Risbon, Product Specialist
Back-to-School Layout Refresh
It’s that magical time of year when you finally get 0.7 seconds to consider how your classroom or library space looks. Are you ready for a refresh? A little thought goes a long way, and librarians and educators are used to thinking on the fly. Sprucing up your space before the new school year starts doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Since your time is valuable, and we love helping librarians and educators, we’ve thought up a few ideas to give your space an extra shine this fall.
Whiteboards and Tables Encourage Collaboration
A change in scenery or a shift in routines can positively impact students by enhancing their engagement, while a well-organized space can help students focus. To update a learning space with minimal effort, we recommend you focus on making it more flexible, interactive, and visually appealing. Use mobile desk or tables, along with mobile chairs, that can be moved around your library or classroom as needed. A trend we see a lot of is using writable surfaces (most furniture manufacturers offer their own unique designs) to help collaborate as a classroom. This includes whiteboards and other dry-erase boards. The MooreCo Inklüd Mobile Whiteboard fits any environment, while the Copernicus Bamboo Magnetic Lined Dry-Erase Board welcomes double-sided learning and fun.
Modern Seating Prioritizes Ergonomics, Enhanced Comfort, and Support
You want a comfortable place for learners to grow, think, and relax. How can a child engage if they’re constantly adjusting their sitting position due to poor furniture design? Modern school and library seating has many beneficial factors: enhanced comfort and ergonomics can help those who are sitting for long periods of time. Supportive seating can reduce fatigue and help improve focus. It can also improve health and wellbeing, promoting good posture and reducing the risk of injury. Paragon’s flexible school seating options are specifically designed for the modern classroom. (You can even save 20% as part of our special sale right now.)
Engage Your Core with Kore Design™ Wobble Stools
If you’re looking for a chair that’s actually fun to use, you found it. With designs for younger users and adults, this active seating encourages users to expend access energy, helping them stay focused. An anti-rill safety ring on the base of each stool helps prevent tip-overs.
Book Repair Solution
Constant usage can wreak havoc on highly-read books. Book repair tape helps you repair damaged binding, prevent further damage, or just keep spines sturdy—and nothing beats adhesion that lasts. If you shop our sale by June 30, you’ll save 25% on book repair tape.
Fun Supplies and Equipment Empower Students and Library Patrons
Are your students and patrons avid readers? Think about adding a few fun bookmarks to your learning space. Book holder display racks provide a small-footprint way to keep books close at hand, while book tubs help you present treasured books or keep arts and craft supplies organized. For school and library spaces that permit cell phones and laptops, we offer several charging stations to keep devices fully powered and secured.
Full STEAM Ahead: Introduce Robotics to Your Makerspace
As maintaining engagement becomes increasingly difficult, library and classroom vendors are finding new ways to teach and stimulate diverse minds. STEM/STEAM/Makerspace products are rapidly gaining popularity. To support this, we have recently added AI/Robotics to our offerings. EZ-Robot has several kits that teach everything from building a robot and learning to code to teaching the robot tricks or commands. The EZ-Robot JD Humanoid Robotics Kit will be on display at the annual ALA Conference in Philadelphia, PA, this June. Stop by the Brodart booth (#925) and check it out.
Early Learning Supplies They’ll Love on Sight
For little learners, consider adding the Copernicus Simple Machines Play Center. Just use your own toy cars and mini buckets to utilize the moveable ramps and pulleys. What about a tactile way to teach the ABCs? The Kore Design™ Alphanumeric Mat provides a host of possibilities, like handing each child a tile and asking them to spell out words by sitting next to someone else.
Cleaning Supplies Ensure Surfaces Remain Hygienic and Germ-Free
Are you looking to keep things simple? Now is a great time to stock up on everything from whiteboard erasers and stain removers to spray cleaners and hand sanitizer. However much you think you need, you probably need more.
You Are a Library Rockstar
These options help students and library users feel even more welcome, boosting skills while encouraging creativity through active engagement. Whether your budget allows for personal whiteboard sheets or a complete robotics classroom set, we hope we sparked some fun ideas to give your area some TLC.
As the new school year rushes toward us, smile at your reimagined space. When the first bell rings, take a deep breath, let it out, and do what you do best. You’ve got this.