Photo courtesy of Systems by Susie
"How cool is it that we have a library in the MALL?!" asks Susie Salinas, the professional organization guru behind Systems by Susie. Indeed, it is VERY cool to have a library in a mall--so much so that, once we opened our new store location a few doors down at Annapolis' Westfield Mall, we just HAD to walk down there and check it out.
For local residents, Discoveries: The Library at the Mall is more than just an amazing place to browse books and expand minds. In addition to being an important learning center, this branch of the Anne Arundel County Public Library also serves the community with a mommy/baby pantry. "Libraries are beacons of light in times of crisis," explains Christine Feldmann, Director of Marketing and Communications for the library system. "Anne Arundel County Public Libraries strives to help build a welcoming, resilient community where all can realize life to its fullest potential, and our new pantry will help support our most vulnerable customers and their families."
Once we visited this library, we were determined to help. After our fun partnership with Systems by Susie at Annapolis nonprofit The Light House, we once again worked together to get this space in tip-top shape!
Discoveries as seen from the inside of Westfield Mall. (Photo courtesy of Anne Arundel County Public Library)
First, we set about designing and installing an Elfa shelving solution that would give the library pantry the storage capacity they needed. To accommodate all of the pantry's donations--multiple boxes and packages of diapers, wipes, baby supplies, and hygiene products--we installed dozens of feet of our 16" White Elfa Ventilated Wire Shelves along three of the walls. (These are not only sturdy, but also easy for the library staff to adjust or add to as needed.) Once the shelves were in place, we brought in a number of our ever-useful Clear Storage Boxes to corral many of the smaller items. Then, the Systems by Susie team provided the finishing touches by helping sort, label, and create systems for the pantry.
Before
Photos courtesy of Systems by Susie
After
The 16" Deep Ventilated Elfa Shelves are adjustable in height and add much needed flexibility to the storage room's layout. (Photo courtesy of Systems by Susie)
Photo courtesy of Systems by Susie
Our Clear Storage Boxes help keep many of the smaller items on the Elfa Shelves tidy. (Photo courtesy of Systems by Susie)
On the remaining wall of the pantry, the library staff needed a designated multi-purpose work station that would allow them to hang clipboards and store paper and plastic shopping bags. The White Elfa Ventilated Wire Shelves came in handy here too, but we also supplemented them with a solid Décor Shelf work surface, Chancellor Baskets, and Poppin Desktop Accessories. Once the Systems by Susie team was done categorizing and labeling, they put every item in its proper place--with plenty of room to spare!
Photo courtesy of Systems by Susie
Different styles of paper and plastic bags are sorted into labeled Chancellor Baskets. (Photo courtesy of Systems by Susie)
Overall, it was an extremely gratifying project in which to take part. "I know this space is going to be such an asset to our local community, and I am so happy that we had a part in making sure it looks and functions at its best for years to come!" says Susie. Once we unveiled the final result to the library staff, they were overjoyed as well. "We are so grateful to The Container Store for partnering with us on this important project," Christine says. "And we are proud we can now match families with the resources they need to succeed."
Thanks again to Systems by Susie for helping make this possible. We'll see you all at the library!
