Flexibility is the key to increasing the functionality of your space
Mobile shelving and/or furniture is the easiest way to add flexibility
Mobile shelving has an obvious advantage: it can be moved to create space for other activities.
The example to the left is in the Edgartown (MA) Free Public Library. It has a traditional feel, with mobile shelving in a small area between taller stacks.
The example below is in the Whistler (BC) Public Library, with a more contemporary look. This entire wing can be cleared out in about 15 minutes, creating a space that can hold events for up to 300 people.
Nesting flip-top tables for meeting rooms, makerspaces, or other areas make reconfiguration easy, and they take up less space when stored.
Small, movable tables with adjacent partitions create comfortable, private workspaces.
If you are thinking of doing this, make sure the shelves aren't taller than 5' high, and that they are wide enough at the base for stability. Very tall shelves are not suitable for casters.
The example below shows retractable wheels installed on an existing (very heavy) wooden table. Now it doesn't take four strong men to move the tables.
