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The LiBILLYry

/lɪɛbɪlɪry/ n. The library that BILLY bookcases built

A small space with a big impact. See how IKEA transformed Upokongaro School's library.

/lɪɛbɪlɪry/ n. The library that BILLY bookcases built A small space with a big impact. See how IKEA transformed Upokongaro School's library.

A space for stories and new beginnings

Upokongaro School had a simple wish; a warm, functional library where tamariki could read, create, and come together. With books tucked away in a shipping container and only a few pieces of furniture, an unused boardroom offered new possibilities...

So IKEA stepped in to help turn that small space into something big.

"It’s going to be a special place at our school."

Erin Browne, Principal, Upokongaro School

Creating that right design solution

Great design starts with listening. We sat down with the principal and the students to understand their daily frustrations, specifically the lack of organisation and places to sit. We took those challenges and turned them into real solutions, designing a layout that maximises floor space while keeping resources within easy reach.

Great design starts with listening. We sat down with the principal and the students to understand their daily frustrations, specifically the lack of organisation and places to sit. We took those challenges and turned them into real solutions, designing a layout that maximises floor space while keeping resources within easy reach.
Great design starts with listening. We sat down with the principal and the students to understand their daily frustrations, specifically the lack of organisation and places to sit. We took those challenges and turned them into real solutions, designing a layout that maximizes floor space while keeping resources within easy reach.

The storage superstar

Versatile, adjustable, and timeless, the BILLY bookcase is the hero of this renovation. It provided the essential storage needed to organise the school’s book collection, making titles visible, accessible, and inviting for all the students.

Versatile, adjustable, and timeless, the BILLY bookcase is the hero of this renovation. It provided the essential storage needed to organise the school’s book collection, making titles visible, accessible, and inviting for students of all heights.

Comfy space to play games

A modern library is about connection as much as quiet moments. With soft furnishings, durable rugs, and modular tables, we’ve created flexible zones where tamariki can learn, play, and explore in comfort.

A modern library is about connection as much as quiet moments. With soft furnishings, durable rugs, and modular tables, we’ve created flexible zones where tamariki can learn, play, and explore in comfort.

The magic of reading

Access to books opens up new worlds. By creating a dedicated environment free from the noise of the playground, the children of Upokongaro School now have a space to pause, focus, and fall in love with reading.

Access to books opens up new worlds. By creating a dedicated environment free from the noise of the playground, the children of Upokongaro School how have a space to pause, focus, and fall in love with reading.