Customer: Latah County Library District, Idaho
Library: Moscow Public Library
Worked with: April Hernandez, Library Director
Project focus: A modern front-of-house service desk upgrade in a historic setting
The location
The Moscow Public Library is housed in a beautifully preserved 1906 building designed by Boise architect Watson Vernon in the Mission Revival style. It was among the last libraries funded by the Andrew Carnegie Library Endowment, which contributed $10,000 toward its construction. Over the years, the library has undergone numerous upgrades that have significantly expanded its space and services—while faithfully preserving its distinctive historical character.
The Challenge
The library sought to transform its customer service area with a modern solution that would respect the building’s character while meeting the demands of today’s library users. Library Director April Hernandez set out to find a service desk system that was:
- ADA-compliant and accessible to all
- Visually appealing and modern with organic curved edges.
- Space efficient
- Durable enough for high-traffic, high-use environments
The Solution: YAKETY YAK Service Desks
April found that YAKETY YAK exceeded her requirements with its height adjustability, appealing range of colours and storage options. She chose a custom configuration from our range, including:
These three units are arranged in a circular layout in the library’s central area, creating a service hub that’s both highly accessible and functional.
Why This Configuration Works
- Height Adjustable: Both the 102 Pod and 202 Desk can be raised or lowered to accommodate patrons’ and staff needs—ideal for switching between quick interactions and in-depth assistance.
- Defined Interaction Zones: The standing-height pod facilitates brief exchanges, while the seated-height desk supports comfortable working and prolonged interactions.
- Integrated Meeting Space: The curved desktop and meeting oval on the 202 Desk provide a comfortable, wheelchair-accessible space for staff and patron conversations.
- Secure Transactions: The 100 Cash Module allows for efficient payment handling and document storage, all in one compact unit.
Colours, Finishes and Options
- American White Oak Veneer desk frontages echo existing shelving and window finishes.
- Dark Grey Optima Vinyl worktops are ideal for heavy-duty book processing.
- Node Power Buttons on both the desk and pod give staff easy access to power and USB connections.
Flexible and Future-Proof
YAKETY YAK’s modern, adaptable designs offer the flexibility essential for today’s libraries —spaces that foster learning, collaboration, and community connection. Moscow Public Library has created a welcoming, functional service point tailored to their unique needs. The modular setup also allows for easy reconfiguration as needs evolve, making it a future-ready solution.
Customer Testimonial
“In searching for a new service desk, we were looking for something attractive, modern-looking, and space-efficient. The YAKETY YAK desks meet this criteria while offering the added benefit of height adjustability. We use both the sitting and standing desks daily—they offer a welcome change from our previous, outdated setup. They look great, and we’ve been very happy with our purchase.”
Lisa Egan, Access Service Manager, Moscow Public Library
Get in touch with us to find the right YAKETY YAK configuration for your library.
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