Could WFL (Work From Library) be the solution to making hybrid work viable?

Kazunobu Nakamura’s brilliant library design changed the lives of the Kikuchi residents in Japan.

WFL, or Work From Library, could be the enhancement to the hybrid landscape we need. That's right, folks, when it's time for a break from your home office, try choosing your local public library.

You may have already gotten yourself plenty caffeinated for the day, and the thought of buying a seat at the local coffee shop and exposing yourself to their tempting pastries could undermine productivity and focus. 

The library won’t mind you camping out all day, it’ll be quiet, have good lighting, often free parking, with free and clean bathrooms. No barista is going to give you the side-eye for not ordering enough coffee or pastries. So often, commercial coffee shop seating has poor posture deliberately designed right into it to encourage high turnover. But many public libraries even have a coffee shop on-site.

There’s one feature that most gets my attention though. As I’ve traveled around the rural midwest over the years, I couldn’t help but notice that from Lawrence, Kansas to Washington, Missouri, public libraries have gone through an amazing transformation. For some reason, they have been the platform for modern architects and furniture designers to showcase the latest trends in terraced seating, floor seating, and the best accommodations for physical disabilities. You can see some visual examples on our Pinterest Board “WLF” here.

The libraries of our time seem to be the cutting-edge of public spaces whose design can accommodate the full variety of our differently-abled human bodies. Whether our unique needs are based on our age, or we require visual and auditory assistance, mobility assistance, or we simply want to work in a manner that doesn’t compromise our health, the humble public library has you covered.

So many modern libraries have embraced architecture and seating that encourages crisscross applesauce, on-the-floor sitting. You can forget about the rigid, uncomfortable office. So, there you have it, folks. The library is the new hotdesk option. It's time to WFL and start enjoying all the benefits of working from this unsung hero of public spaces.

Does your Public Library have a Soul Seat option yet? Do us a favor and put them in touch with us so we can explore funding sources to help a Soul Seat land near you.

Mitcham Memorial Library in Adelaide, Australia

Plainsboro Public Library | BKSK Architects, LLP