Library Shelving for Public, Academic & Special Collections

Build welcoming, high-capacity stacks with Library Shelving that fits your collection, floor plan, and budget. From public browsing aisles to dense academic stacks and secure rare-book areas, our modular shelves adapt as your library evolves. Supporting mixed media, clear signage, and ADA-friendly aisles. Architects and librarians rely on our team for planning, finishes, and accessories that boost circulation and wayfinding. Start your design with manufacturer-ready BIM—download Revit files—or request a consultation to configure public areas, archives, and special collections with confidence.

Powered mobile library shelving system for maximizing storage capacity and accessibility

Mobile Library Shelving for Maximum Capacity

High-density mobile library shelving systems reduce wasted aisle space by mounting rows of shelving onto movable carriages. These systems expand capacity without adding square footage and support ADA-compliant access with safety features and lockable controls.

Ideal for school archives, special collections, and public library backrooms, mobile shelving lets libraries recover space for programming, study areas, or new materials.

  • Reclaims up to 50% more storage space
  • Rolling carriages eliminate fixed aisles
  • Compatible with books, media, and periodicals
  • Lockable units for rare materials or back storage
  • Meets ADA access and safety standards

Accessible Shelving for Every Patron

Libraries serve patrons of all ages and abilities. Modular shelving helps improve reach ranges, reduce overhandling, and create collection zones that make browsing easier. Systems can include signage, tiered display shelves, and ergonomic configurations that enhance traffic flow.

These shelving systems help libraries create welcoming environments while meeting the practical needs of diverse communities.

  • Adjustable height options for inclusivity
  • End panels support signage or displays
  • Protects materials from overhandling
  • Compatible with children's and large-print zones
  • Supports community layout planning
Library mobile book carts for efficient book transport and versatile storage
Cantilever library shelving system for streamlined book access and storage

Cantilever Shelving for Open-Stack Collections

Cantilever library shelving is popular in academic and open-stack environments. Its center-spine design holds books securely while maintaining clean sight lines. The design is highly adjustable and allows for fast reconfiguration as collections grow.

Though typically used in university and research libraries, cantilever systems also serve as a modular option for visual merchandising and compact general collections.

  • Open-sided frames improve visibility
  • Easily adjustable shelf heights
  • Supports both double- and single-sided layouts
  • Sleek profile fits modern interiors
  • Lightweight but strong structural design

Library Shelving for County Systems

Flexible library shelving displaying magazines in county system
Standardized shelving across six facilities to unify design and improve access.

The Johnson County Library system partnered with Southwest Solutions Group to standardize shelving across six locations. They needed a cohesive design that worked for new builds, remodels, and unique site conditions—while improving accessibility and collection management.

SSG installed cantilever stacks, four-post workroom shelving with doors, and curved laminate displays for high-interest materials. Patrons now enjoy consistent layouts, while staff benefit from improved efficiency and organization.

  • Cantilever stacks & four-post workroom shelving
  • Visual consistency across remodeled and new spaces
  • Curved shelving for featured collections
Wooden library bookshelf with multiple adjustable shelves for book organization

Melamine Bookshelf

  • Simple, lightweight three-shelf design
  • Pale blonde melamine finish
  • Ideal for small collections or classroom reading zones
  • Easy to reposition or supplement existing layouts
  • Cost-effective option for budget-conscious projects
Rolling library book cart with multiple shelves for easy book transport

Rolling Book Cart Shelf

  • Three-shelf mobile unit with lockable casters
  • White powder-coated frame with wood top
  • Easy to move between spaces or displays
  • Suitable for browsing zones or staff transport
  • Compact and functional for daily use
Wooden library bookshelf with multiple adjustable shelves for efficient book organization

Wooden Bookshelf

  • Three-shelf bookcase with rich mahogany finish
  • Clean lines and sturdy hardwood construction
  • Great for high-traffic areas and reading rooms
  • Professional look for academic or public libraries
  • Designed for longevity and visual appeal

Southwest Solutions Near You

With 7 offices in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado, plus teams covering every major metro area nationwide, Southwest Solutions Group delivers expert smart locker sales, design, installation, and maintenace support wherever you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most libraries need about 10–15 linear feet of library shelving for every 100 books, keeping shelves at 75% capacity for growth and easy browsing. Southwest Solutions Group can measure your collection to determine exact needs. Good planning ensures library book shelves will work now and in the future.

Mobile shelving systems offer:

  • Up to 50% more storage in the same floor space
  • Better space efficiency by eliminating fixed aisles
  • Better protection for valuable materials
  • Safety features to protect visitors and staff

These systems create movable rows that open only when needed. The space savings often lets school libraries add more books without expanding their building.

Yes. Southwest Solutions Group creates custom library shelving systems for challenging spaces. Our team works around columns, angled walls, and varying ceiling heights. Custom end panels and curved pieces maximize library storage while keeping a consistent look throughout.

Library shelving systems improve accessibility through smart design. Proper aisle width fits wheelchairs while adjustable shelf heights put materials within reach for everyone. Clear labels help visitors find what they need. Many library bookcases use lower shelves in children's areas and ADA-compliant systems throughout.

  • Up to 50% more storage in the same floor space
  • Better space efficiency by eliminating fixed aisles
  • Better protection for valuable materials
  • Safety features to protect visitors and staff

Quality library bookshelves need very little maintenance when properly installed. Most systems only need routine cleaning and occasional checks to last for decades.

Yes. Library shelving can be customized for retrofit or renovation projects. Southwest Solutions Group takes field measurements and adapts layouts to work with your existing architecture, including uneven floors, utility chases, or historical restrictions.

Explore Our Shelving

Art Storage Rack

Art Storage Rack

Preserve framed and unframed pieces with pull-out panels, flat files, and safe-touch racks. Ideal for museums, archives, and galleries.

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Blueprint Storage

Blueprint Storage

Organize rolled drawings and flat plans in one compact, durable unit. Ideal for architecture, engineering, and construction blueprint storage.

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Industrial Shelving

Industrial Shelving

Heavy-duty shelves for tools, parts, and backroom supplies. Built to handle bulk loads with steel frames, reinforcements, and bin compatibility.

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Office Shelving

Office Shelving

Organized file and document storage for admin offices, archives, or law firms. Adjustable options fit binders, folders, or legal-size boxes.

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Pharmacy Shelving

Pharmacy Shelving

Compact, high-density shelving for RX inventory and picking. Modular bins and drawers boost efficiency in hospital and retail pharmacies.

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Storage Shelves for Boxes

Storage Shelves for Boxes

Optimized shelving for record boxes, banker’s boxes, and cartons. Ideal for document storage rooms and archival spaces.

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Fire Hose Rack

Fire Hose Racks

Heavy-duty fire hose racks organize, protect, and store hoses for quick deployment. Ideal for fire stations, industrial sites, and safety facilities.

Explore Fire Hose Racks
Kanban Inventory System

Kanban Inventory System

RFID-enabled Kanban inventory systems simplify medical inventory with automatic restocking, two-bin switching, and seamless integration into clinical workflows.

Explore Kanban Inventory Systems

Design Smarter Library Spaces with Scalable Shelving

Whether you're building a new library, renovating an existing space, or expanding your collection, our shelving systems offer flexibility, durability, and long-term value. From high-density storage to mobile carts and accessible display shelving, Southwest Solutions Group helps you create layouts that serve both your collection and your community.

Call us at (800) 803-1083 or Contact Us to schedule your free consultation today.

REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION
Elementary curved library bookshelves for organized storage and child-friendly reading spaces