Library
Acoustic Solutions

The problem with
noisy libraries

Libraries are well-known for being quiet places to concentrate, learn, work and study. Unwanted noises in a library can be disruptive and unpleasant for users seeking a quiet refuge, especially during reading activities where focus is required. Controlling the movement of sound within a library is therefore vital in order to preserve the intended function of the space. 

Traditionally situated in a large, open space, sound within a library can move freely and unobstructed throughout the interior. Sounds can also be transmitted from neighboring classrooms or nearby playgrounds if proper acoustic measures aren’t put in place. As a guide, a range of 40-50 dBA with a reverberation time of less or equal to one second provides the limits of noise transmission and movement to provide for the perfect library soundscape.

But how can we achieve this?  

Unwanted noises in a library can be disruptive and unpleasant for users seeking a quiet refuge.

How to treat a noisy library

Acoufelt’s interior soundscaping products are designed to absorb sound, reduce reverberation and limit sound transmission in library environments.

Not only do Acoufelt offer a full suite of floor, wall and ceiling products suitable for libraries, but we can also assist with acoustic consultations, delivery, installation, furniture removal, as well as a number of other services. We also offer custom designs across each of our product collections.

Acoustic QuietBackâ„¢ Carpet Tiles

The floor often represents the largest practical surface for acoustic treatment. Installing acoustic carpet tiles can be advantageous in multi-level spaces to absorb sounds of footfall, as well as other mid-frequency sounds. 

The highest performing commercially graded acoustic carpet tiles in the Acoufelt floor offering feature QuietBack™. Our QuietBack™ carpet tiles offer a minimum NRC range of 0.35-0.40 and are offered across a range of designs, colorways and thicknesses. Our carpet tiles have also been designed to be comfortable underfoot, appropriate for both sitting and standing, and have a backing made from a minimum 80% recycled PET material. 

Our most popular carpet tile collections for library settings include ‘Elemental’, ‘Flinders’ and ‘Escape’.  

Acoustic Wall Products

Walls offer a variety of opportunities for acoustic treatment with Acoufelt’s broad range of products, available in an array of sizes, colors, prints, cuts, and designs.  

Depending on your acoustic and aesthetic needs, select from our regular panels, printed panels, wall shapes and wall tiles, as well as acoustic pinboards. Sheets of regular panels or Opus acoustic pinboards are effective for mid-frequency sound generated by voice, and should be installed to sit at or above head height. For the best acoustic results, install panels on adjacent walls. For spaces requiring a more flexible solution, opt for shapes or wall tiles, which can be quickly and easily installed around any glass or other fixtures in colorful, mix-and-match patterns.  

Acoustic Ceiling Products

Depending on the ceiling system available to you, Acoufelt offers a mix of practical, easy-install acoustic ceiling products.  

For rooms with a ceiling grid system, drop-in ceiling tiles are a simple but effective solution; available in both regular and printed options. For areas requiring a targeted approach – such as a noisy printer or computer area – ceiling clouds or baffles can be hung above, offering a large surface area for acoustic absorption. High performing acoustic ceiling panels can also be stuck directly to the ceiling without sagging or drooping, offering an excellent NRC value of up to 1.00. 

View more of our library projects:

Acoufelt’s Flinders QuietBack™ carpet tiles in custom ‘Garnet’ color were installed in high-traffic corridor areas at Blacktown’s Max Webber Library. The garnet tiles add a soft, stylish contrast to the library’s row of pylons and wooden bookshelves, whilst also acting to absorb background noise and the sounds of heavy footfall.  

Australia Street Infants School Library

Taking a holistic approach, designers at Australia Street Infants School Library considered all surfaces as an opportunity for acoustic treatment. In this case, a combination of QuietBackâ„¢ ‘Elemental’ carpet tiles, full color acoustic wall panels and custom cut leaf-shaped ceiling tiles in varying blue and green tones made for a captivating forest-style design with an excellent soundscape.  

Learn more about our approach to Making Quiet in libraries by downloading our Education booklet:

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