UTR Story Tree – Redbridge Central Library

The Enchanted Forest area of the newly refurbished Redbridge Central Library in Ilford is now home to a magical Story Tree. The installation fits nicely within the children’s area which also boasts a digital wall projection and iPad learning zone – further achieving the goal of creating a “really exciting space for children to use their imagination” according to Gareth Morely, head of libraries for Vision Redbridge.

With a focus on helping people access information in a fun and varied way, the wind-up Story Tree adds a tangibly interactive element to the library. The tree has been manufactured to appear as realistic as possible and incorporates two bespoke U-Turn audio points within the frame, allowing visitors to wind the handle to hear various stories. These stories can be updated by the library staff at any time through the use of a programmer. With no power required due to the wind-up nature of the U-Turn Round, the tree is a completely self enclosed unit that requires very little upkeep.

The Library is a big step forward in helping get people interested in reading and learning, even something as boring as shelving has been given an exciting twist with exhibits from Redbridge Museum (also housed on the site) being placed among the shelves in relevant sections. For example you can find a Victorian-era police truncheon among the crime books and a mammoth bone among the earth science titles.