Rethinking Shelving for Study Programs and Community with Curtis Hoff and Mike Ryan

Mike Ryan and Curtis Hoff of Diversified Storage Solutions in front of an image of library shelving, header image for a podcast on library shelving

Libraries today are so much more than book storage. They’re community hubs. Study rooms, children’s programming, craft clubs, and more all share space with thousands of books. Library storage and shelving help every one of those spaces work.

Curtis Hoff and Mike Ryan help libraries plan for that balance at Diversified Storage Solutions. Curtis is a Storage Consultant and Mike is a Project Designer. Together, they advise on and design spaces for schools, libraries, museums, athletic facilities, and more. Most recently, they worked with Agati on the William Penn Charter School.

In this conversation Curtis and Mike share how space-optimizing storage meets modern library needs. They discuss how libraries are becoming community centers and why modular shelving is in demand. They also explain how the right system can almost double, sometimes triple, a space’s storage capacity.

The Full Conversation

Library Storage That Supports the Whole Community

Curtis and Mike design storage for public libraries, schools, universities, museums and other public spaces. In this episode, they walk through how public spaces are changing and how storage keeps pace. They share why the best shelving blends into its surroundings and why the details matter most. They also describe their customer-first approach to every recommendation. The full conversation offers practical insight for librarians, facility managers, architects, and anyone planning a space.

How Library Storage Supports Every Program and Space

Libraries as Community Information Hubs

At their core, libraries connect communities with information. Today, patrons can also reserve rooms for interviews, technology, and even industrial kitchens. Display plays a big role in how libraries share information with visitors. In this short clip, Curtis explains how library shelving and display support every one of these programs.

Why Modular Shelving Works for Libraries

Flexible Library Spaces That Adapt

More libraries are asking for modular shelving, and flexibility is the reason. Modular shelving can move out of the way whenever a space needs to change. A quiet reading area can transition into a space for community activities. In this clip, Mike shares why modular shelving has become a priority in library design.

“People want furniture that is modular, that can be easily moved around to create new spaces.” -Mike Ryan, Diversified Storage Solutions