Mid-Continent Public Library

Founded in 1965, the Mid-Continent Public Library system is comprised of 35 branches serving Clay, Platte, and Jackson counties located in Missouri. It is among the nation’s 20 largest public library systems with more than 3.5 million items in its collection.

As part of a bond passed in 2016, renovations to the library’s entire 35-branch network commenced. Some of those locations, including Blue Springs South, Antioch, Raytown, and East Lee’s Summit, have already received a modernized look courtesy of 3/16” steel Fabricoil® in a Freedom Red finish. The fabric is secured in Cascade’s sturdy aluminum Secura Track attachment.

The fashionable coiled wire fabric panels were installed as space-dividing partitions to create individual meeting spaces within the library’s open floor setting. Freedom Red was selected for its ability to stand out and provide wayfinding for guests, allowing them to easily locate the meeting areas.

The design intent for Helix Architecture + Design was to create a sense of independence for each space without enclosing them in traditional glass. Freedom Red Fabricoil was the perfect solution. And after considering perforated felt dividers, which ultimately did not meet the durability needs of the client, Fabricoil made the most sense. Additional coiled wire fabric systems were then specified for other Mid-Continent Public Library locations.