Case Study: Linked Linear LED Squares at a Public Library

A public library in Wisconsin wanted new lighting that worked with the building's architecture and gave staff and visitors bright, comfortable light across the stacks and the front desk.

Working with Sean at Warehouse Lighting, the library selected WareLight BEAMLED direct/indirect linear fixtures, linked with L connectors into two large squares around the central skylight, plus a separate run above the reception desk.

By Warehouse Lighting

The Challenge: Lighting That Follows the Architecture

The library's main floor is built around a raised central ceiling with a skylight, surrounded by sloped ceilings over the stacks. Straight rows of fixtures would have cut across those lines. The library wanted lighting that followed the shape of the ceiling and became part of the design.

Libraries also need even light on shelves, tables, and service desks, and a ceiling that doesn't go dark above the fixtures.

The Solution: BEAMLED Linked With L Connectors

WareLight BEAMLED direct/indirect fixtures link end to end into continuous runs. Connector pieces, like the L connectors used here, turn a run 90 degrees with a clean corner, so the library could build two large squares that frame the central skylight. A separate straight run hangs above the reception desk.

BEAMLED linear runs meeting at a 90-degree L connector corner above the Large Type shelves

The series is wattage and CCT selectable, so output and color temperature can be set to fit the space:

Lengths: 4 ft, 6 ft, and 8 ft, linkable into continuous runs
Direct/Indirect Output: Light up onto the ceiling and down onto the floor
Wattage Selectable: Up to 5,500 lumens (4 ft), 8,250 lumens (6 ft), or 11,000 lumens (8 ft)
CCT Selectable: 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, or 5000K
0–10V Dimming on 120–277V
Finishes: White, black, or silver. The library chose white.
Damp Location Rated, with a 5-Year Warranty

The Results

Two BEAMLED squares now frame the central skylight and turn the lighting into an architectural feature of the library. The uplight washes the sloped ceilings, and the downlight covers the stacks and tables below.

A Matching Run Over the Front Desk

Above the reception area, a straight BEAMLED run defines the front desk and carries the same look into the service area. The white finish blends with the ceiling, so the space stays bright and consistent from the entrance to the stacks.

Suspended white BEAMLED linear fixture above the library reception desk

Sean worked with the library throughout the project to choose fixture lengths and connector pieces for the layout. The librarians were especially pleased with the finished installation and what it did for the space.

Why Direct/Indirect Linear Lighting Works in Libraries

Light on the Ceiling and the Stacks: Uplight keeps the ceiling from going dark while downlight reaches shelves and tables.
Custom Shapes: L connectors turn straight runs into squares and corners that follow the architecture.
One Fixture From the Stacks to the Front Desk: The same series carries through every area.
Selectable Wattage and CCT: Output and color temperature can be set per area.

WareLight BEAMLED Direct/Indirect Linear Fixtures

4, 6, and 8 ft fixtures with selectable wattage and CCT, linkable into continuous runs and custom shapes with L connectors. Prebuilt 4x4 square versions are also available.

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WareLight BEAMLED linear LED fixtures in black, white, and silver finishes

Planning a Library or Public Building Project?

Whether you're lighting stacks, reading areas, or a service desk, Warehouse-Lighting.com can help you lay out linear runs and connector pieces that fit your ceiling. Request a free lighting layout or speak with one of our lighting experts about your space.

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FAQs About Library and Direct/Indirect Lighting

What is the best lighting for a library?

Libraries are usually lit with general overhead lighting plus task lighting at desks and reading areas. Direct/indirect linear fixtures are a common choice for the general layer because they light both the ceiling and the stacks below, so the room reads bright without dark ceilings above the fixtures.

What is direct/indirect lighting?

Direct/indirect fixtures send light down toward the floor and up onto the ceiling. The uplight reflects off the ceiling and spreads across the room, while the downlight covers shelves, tables, and work surfaces.

Can linear LED fixtures be connected into squares or other shapes?

Yes. WareLight BEAMLED fixtures link end to end into continuous runs, and L connector pieces create 90-degree corners. This library used L connectors to build two large squares around its central skylight. Prebuilt 4x4 square and X pattern BEAMLED fixtures are also available for smaller layouts.

What color temperature is best for a library?

Many libraries use 3500K to 4000K for a neutral white that works for reading and computer use. BEAMLED direct/indirect fixtures are CCT selectable at 3000K, 3500K, 4000K, or 5000K, so color temperature can be set on site.

What lengths and finishes do BEAMLED direct/indirect fixtures come in?

BEAMLED direct/indirect fixtures come in 4, 6, and 8 ft lengths, in white, black, or silver finishes. The library chose white so the fixtures blend with its ceiling.