Beyond Access, a global multi-partner organization in support of public libraries around the world, is designing training for librarians in developing countries to stimulate thinking about what they can do to make the physical spaces of their libraries more welcoming and engaging for their communities. In countries with few resources, many libraries have not been refreshed or updated for years. Knowing that many space planning guides are written for wealthier countries with more advanced infrastructures, this guide intentionally offers simple and actionable ideas for librarians who have little in the way of new resources to spend.

This document was created as part of a longer, guided training with library staff, but it also stands alone as a distillation of key, straightforward categories and concepts to spark ideas among librarians. Please feel free to make use of in your own library.

This resource was shared by Ari Katz, Regional Director of Beyond Access.