Burton Library, Staffordshire

About The Project

FG Library was delighted to once again collaborate with Staffordshire County Council on a comprehensive refurbishment of Burton Library. Building on our strong and trusted relationship, we were proud to deliver this ambitious two-floor transformation with a clear focus on improving functionality, accessibility, and user experience.

A standout feature of the project was the relocation of the children’s library from the rear of the building to a bright, welcoming space at the front—formerly a café area. This instantly enhanced visibility and accessibility for families, creating a sense of discovery and excitement as visitors enter the library.

Close coordination with the building contractor was essential throughout the project, particularly in the integration of flooring and furniture. The flooring design was carefully developed alongside the furniture layout to ensure a cohesive and intuitive environment, with patterns and finishes subtly guiding users through the space and clearly defining zones—all while complementing the refreshed colour palette and design style.

Design And Layout

• The new layout enhances flow and visibility, with open sightlines guiding users to key areas including study zones, flexible seating, and a reimagined children’s library. The relocated children’s area now sits at the front of the building, framed by a playful tree archway and overlooking the Washlands nature reserve. It includes our StoryWall® island, woodland-themed graphics, and a dedicated sensory zone for neurodivergent children and those with additional needs.

• Other ground floor features include a flexible Makerspace, a mini theatre area for events, and the Oasis Soft Team Pod to support wellbeing and quiet study. The first floor expands on digital access and flexible working, with integrated power, soft seating, and a standout StudyWall. A Business Lounge provides a semi-private space for solo or group work.

Furniture & Finishes

Sustainability

57 existing shelving bays were repurposed with bespoke castors and cladding to align with the new interior. This avoided over 3,100 kg of material waste and saved an estimated 33 kg of CO₂ in transport emissions—making a meaningful contribution to the project’s environmental goals.

The Result

The refurbishment of Burton Library has been an inspiring project that exemplifies the positive impact of thoughtful design in public spaces. The feedback received has been overwhelmingly

positive, with visitors and staff alike praising the welcoming environment, improved accessibility and the wide variety of spaces available for learning, creativity and connection.

This transformation has reaffirmed the vital role libraries play in local communities. By delivering an inclusive, flexible and modern environment, Burton Library now offers a space that can truly serve the evolving needs of its community — from early years engagement and digital access, to wellbeing support and lifelong learning.

At FG Library, we are proud to have partnered with Staffordshire County Council to bring this vision to life and look forward to seeing Burton Library continue to thrive as a dynamic community hub for years to come.