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One Size Doesn’t Fit All: What We Learned Visiting Libraries with Tailored Computer Workstations

By Rashelle Agati

Furniture In The Field, Public Library Furniture

Computer Workstations in libraries

How 5 Public Libraries Use Different Computer Workstations to Serve Their Communities

When Joe Agati Sr. and I visited five public libraries in Florida, we noticed a clear trend: Each computer workstation area was designed to reflect the needs of its specific community, and each community was unique. We witnessed firsthand how Librarians thoughtfully selected computer workstations to support everything from teen engagement to senior accessibility and private research to spontaneous pit stops. These libraries weren’t just adding furniture. Rather, they were tailoring their environments to serve distinct user groups, showing how thoughtful planning and awareness of the local community needs make each library unique. This blog highlights the standout installations and how these tailored computer workstations help libraries become not only more functional, but more welcoming and inclusive.

Provide Social Space with Shared Computer Table

Used here for: Teenage library users

Position the library as a central hub in young people’s lives by giving teens their own dedicated space. The shared, long table encourages healthy social interaction in a space separate from children or adult sections. Providing a customized Manifest Computer Station with many computers in the teen section not only provides digital access, but also encourages peer learning and informal mentoring in a safe environment for socializing and learning.

See more of the stunning spaces at Palm Beach County Library.

Computer Tables Library Teen Section

Maximize Privacy with Diagonal Computer Workstations

Used here for: Adults seeking private research sessions using Library’s computers

We found these Primary Carrels (customized in an angled footprint) nestled in a quiet space between stacks and walls.

The diagonal construction adds even more privacy by orienting the user on an angle and extending each carrel’s right wall. This opportunity for increased focus is ideal for patrons seeking long research sessions.

Adjoining Study Carrels

When I asked staff about this library section, she told me she likes the increased individual privacy afforded by the diagonal structure. She said that, due to the angle, passersby have a decreased view of user’s computer screen.

She wants users to feel like they have privacy and can do research on the library’s computer without people looking over their shoulders. People come in, set up their things, have their own little private office, and spend long periods of time.

You can see our custom computer workstations and more furniture in action at Palm Beach County Library here.

Adjoining Study Carrels

Provide Extra Workspace with Wide Individual Desks

Used here for: Adults seeking use of library’s computer and easy access to staff assistance

Staff at Hobe Sound Public Library really support their local community! Here we found the most pleasant staff giving lots of friendly assistance to their patrons. Their local demographic is mostly seniors and they regularly come to library to use the computers. Positioned in the bustling area near the circulation desk, users had close access to staff and neighbors.

Flexible computer tables with woman working at computer

Staff told me that what they love the most about Adapt2 Desks is the extra wide work surface. In addition to the desktop computer, patrons have plenty of space for their own belongings, and still more room to work too.

Adapt to Changing Needs with Flexible Computer Desks

Used here for: Flexibility within floor plan

The layout at Hobe Sound has already changed since they purchased Adapt2 Mobile Computer Stations. Luckily, the flexible desks are built to be easily moved on hidden casters, but stay in place once they’re set down.

Flexible Computer Tables

simple, low cost wood study carrel with clear maple panels

Primary Carrel

Adapt2 Mobile Work Stations

Computer lab table

Manifest – Straight

Library table with power

Manifest Table

Encourage Spontaneous use of the Library with a Charging Bar

Used here for: Active adults on a pit stop stand at long computer table

Remote workers, freelancers, and any busy adult using a laptop, are always looking for access to power. We found people using the Power Bar for quick tasks and short visits without the commitment of sitting down. Users who prefer to stand -whether for ergonomic, health or personal comfort reasons, can charge and research next to those sitting on stools.

We found people using the long power bar as both a transition zone and gathering point at Coral Gables Public Library.

Power Bar Laminate Standing Computer Table

Serve Two Types of Library Patrons with One Computer Table Solution

Used here for: Patrons with their own laptops and patrons using library’s computers

A common factor we find when we meet with librarians is they are all aware of how many of their patrons need access to computers and how many of their patrons bring their own computers. We spoke with one patron who told us that he likes to use both his own laptop and the library-provided desktop at the same time.

North Fort Myers Public Library brilliantly serves both types of users by providing staggered computers at one Manifest Zig Zag Workstation.

Manifest Zig Zag Computer Workstations

Support Early Learning Safely with Child-Conscious Workstations

Used here for: Worry-Free Zone: Children can freely explore near custom table

We spotted a toddler joyfully crawling around the children’s section while their older sibling looked at books. With the customized middle column base on the children’s computer workstation, there was no threat of the toddler crawling under the table and out of eyesight, or finding cords. Manifest Childrens Workstation has the same great cable management options as the Manifest Table, but is smaller for kids.

See the Palm Beach County Library installation here.

Childrens library computer workstation

Offer Private Workstations without Building Walls

Used here for: Two people can collaborate and charge laptops

Two POD Duos along the walkway enhance the flow of traffic at Bonita Springs Public Library while providing a sense of separation for users. These two-person computer workstations with panels offer a unique blend of space efficiency and privacy.

“The PODs are consistently our number one selling workstation because they offer privacy, comfort and flexibility -all without the commitment of building walls.” Joe Agati Sr.

Computer workstation with privacy for two people

Reduce Clutter with Computer Workstations

Used here for: Nine computers and not a single cord underneath!

It felt like a breath of fresh air walking into Bonita Springs Public Library. The open, airy interior space near the circulation desk positioned this library as a valuable community destination. We were thrilled to soak in the view without the distraction of computer cords. Manifest Zig Zag Computer Stations with integrated cable management system ensured a cord-free space beneath the tables, preserving clear sightlines.

Cord-Free Computer Workstations

Collaborative charging table in walnut with black legs

Power Bar – Laminate

Manifest zigzag computer lab table

Manifest – Zigzag

Kids library table with divider on top

Manifest Children’s Workstation

Round study carrel pod with curved privacy screen and power access for one person

POD Single

Libraries Thrive when Computer Workstations Match their Unique Communities

As shown in these library installations across Florida, not all libraries are the same! Thoughtfully choosing computer workstations doesn’t just serve a practical purpose—it shapes behavior, fosters community, and enhances the library’s role as a central hub for learning, connection, and exploration. Whether it’s providing privacy, encouraging spontaneous visits, or safely supporting early learning, these workstation solutions help libraries remain flexible, forward-thinking, and welcoming to each community’s demographic.

Connect with an Agati expert today to learn more about our library computer tables and workstations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of shared computer workstations in a teen library space?

Shared computer workstations in teen areas foster healthy social interaction, peer learning, and informal mentoring. Long tables like the Manifest Computer Station encourage collaboration and give teens a dedicated space to explore digital tools in a setting designed just for them.

How can libraries use computer workstations to encourage social learning?

By placing shared computer tables in teen or group areas, libraries create opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Teens often teach one another how to navigate digital platforms, use software, or research effectively—all supported by communal tech furniture.

What types computer workstations offer privacy in libraries?

An ideal private library workstation includes features like walls, acoustic separation, and visual shielding. For example, AGATI PODS reduce screen visibility from foot traffic and create a quiet, focused environment for research or writing.

How do angled computer workstations improve user privacy?

Angled computer workstations, such as custom diagonal carrels, orient users away from open sightlines. This minimizes distractions and offers privacy without the need for full enclosures—ideal for patrons engaged in long research sessions.

Why should libraries consider wide-surface computer desks for public use?

Desks with extra-wide surfaces, such as the Adapt2 Mobile Computer Work Stations provide space for both the library’s computer and the user’s personal items. This is especially helpful for seniors or researchers who need room to spread out books, notes, or devices while staying close to staff assistance areas.

What are flexible computer workstations and why are they useful in libraries?

Flexible workstations are movable desks or tables, often with locking casters, that adapt to changing floor plans or user needs. Libraries can reconfigure layouts over time without replacing furniture—perfect for multipurpose or evolving spaces. See Adapt2 Mobile Work Stations in use in libraries.

How do computer workstations support both personal and public device users?

Modern workstation solutions accommodate users who bring their own laptops as well as those who rely on public desktop computers. Some tables, such as the Manifest Zig Zag Computer Workstation, allow for dual-use setups, giving patrons the option to work with both simultaneously in one convenient spot.

Can libraries offer private workstations without permanent construction?

Yes, furniture like the POD Duo allows libraries to create semi-private computer stations without building walls. These workstation pods offer visual and acoustic separation while remaining flexible, cost-effective, and easy to reposition as needed.

How do integrated cable management systems improve library workstations?

Integrated cable management helps reduce visual clutter and safety hazards by organizing wires inside the furniture structure. This results in cleaner lines, improved accessibility, and safer spaces—especially in high-traffic library areas. See a range of examples of library workstations with cable management systems in the blog “Library Computer Workstations and Tables: See the Installations”

FURNITURE IN THE FIELD is a space where we highlight institutions using Agati Furniture and share feedback from the people using it. If you’d like to be featured, contact rashelle @ agati.com. See all FURNITURE IN THE FIELD posts here.