ABOUT THE PROJECT  ...return to Trading Spaces Resources Page

The Mount Laurel Library was selected as the first statewide demonstration site for the use of visual merchandising techniques in a public library.   Inspired and coached by San Jose Public Library's "Merchant Librarian" Dave Genesy, who presented two wonderful programs at NJLA in 2003, the Mount Laurel Library has been busy revamping their environment, adding new touches such as:

• An Internet Cafe and wireless network
• New popular DVD collection
• New environments for young readers, families, teens and quiet study
• Popular collections attractively displayed on gondolas and slat wall throughout the library.

Response from the public and the press have been tremendous.  The Courier-Post reports that the preface of a future book might well read, "Once upon a time, public libraries didn't have Internet cafes or halogen lighting..."

On March 23-24, 2004, members of the New Jersey Library community gathered to:

HEAR  Dave Genesy talk about the policy, cultural, and physical changes  necessary to effectively display your collection and increase customer satisfaction.
SEE and discuss the results of New Jersey's "Trading Spaces" project with Dave Genesy and staff of the Mount Laurel Library and enjoy a tour of the Mount Laurel Library, and "before and after" slides at both locations.
FIND OUT how to transform our libraries using affordable merchandising techniques, and get practical information on options, suppliers, and costs.

The Trading Spaces Demonstration project is a collaborative effort of the New Jersey State Library, South Jersey Regional Library Cooperative, and the Mount Laurel Library who each contributed $15,000 to the renovation. In addition, the project consultant services of Dave Genesy, Director of the Redwood City (CA) Public Library, were funded by the South Jersey Regional Library Cooperative.

...return to Trading Spaces Resources Page