As part of the Town of Oakville’s expansion of the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex into a vibrant community hub, the Oakville Public Library opened its new 18,000-square-foot Sixteen Mile Branch. Montel, in partnership with authorized distributor Space Concepts Inc., supplied and installed the AetnaStak® Cantilever Library Shelving System to support the library’s extensive media collections. The system was customized with wood veneer end panels to seamlessly blend high-density functionality with the modern architectural aesthetics of the space.
Challenge
The Town of Oakville envisioned the Sixteen Mile Branch as a multi-functional anchor within the expanded Sixteen Mile Sports Complex—joining a new community centre and four-pad arena. Designed to accommodate over 18,000 square feet of flexible work, study, children’s, and creative studio spaces, the library required a shelving solution that could:
- Accommodate growing print and media collections in dedicated public areas.
- Provide long-term structural reconfigurability as community needs evolve.
- Harmonize visually with the high-end interior finishes, architectural millwork, and custom furnishings.
- Meet a strict project delivery timeline without compromising installation quality.
Solution
Working closely with library leadership, Space Concepts Inc. specified Montel’s benchmark AetnaStak® Cantilever Library Shelving. Known for its strength and flexibility, AetnaStak® provided the ideal framework for a modern public library environment.
- Welded-Frame Strength: Engineered to handle high-capacity weight loads for book and media storage while maintaining clean sightlines.
- Modular Adaptability: The reconfigurable design allows library staff to adjust shelf heights and layouts effortlessly as collection sizes shift over time.
- Architectural Integration: Custom veneer end panels were integrated onto the steel frames, unifying the shelving visually with the surrounding interior millwork and color scheme.
"Space Concepts Inc. was an excellent partner throughout our library shelving project. Their team worked closely with us to develop and adapt shelving solutions that supported our growing collections and enhanced our spaces. Despite a tight timeline, they delivered a smooth installation process, communicated effectively, and addressed issues promptly and professionally. We appreciated their expertise, flexibility, and commitment to customer satisfaction, and would confidently recommend them for library space and shelving projects." — Julia Morrison Duller, Manager - Collection Development, Oakville Public Library
Results & Impact
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Seamless Aesthetics: The custom wood finish elevated standard metal shelving into a cohesive design element within a modern community landmark.
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Future-Proof Storage: The flexible AetnaStak® platform ensures the library can adapt its physical footprint for years to come.
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On-Time Execution: Delivered and installed smoothly on a tight timeline, enabling a successful public opening on March 31, 2026.
