AGATI, a Chicago-based design and manufacturing furnishings for libraries and other institutions, is demonstrating its commitment to library design by once again sponsoring Library Journal's Design Institute.

The Design Institute, the latest in Library Journal's series, will take place December 4 in Hartford, Conn. Like the last Institute, held in San Francisco in May 2008 and also sponsored by AGATI, this year's event is themed "Going Green." The full-day Institute will include sessions with leading architects, product demonstrations and more for 100 librarians with current or upcoming library additions or renovations.

The "Going Green" theme of the event reflects the ever-growing concern for environmentally conscious design in today's library projects. AGATI has long embraced these ideals with timelessly designed pieces that are made to last 35 years or more. Just-in-time manufacturing, low VOC finishes, steam-bent wood pieces, renewable linoleum work surfaces, and blanket-wrapped shipping, among other initiatives, make AGATI furniture a healthy choice for beautiful libraries and the environment.

Sponsorship of the Design Institute is another example of AGATI's commitment to support and education for the library market. "It is refreshing to see librarians' interest in good design and quality materials increase over the 20 years that we've been furnishing libraries," says Joe Agati, AGATI founder and recipient of the 2007 Library Administration and Management Association Leadership Award, given for his commitment to libraries, design, and promoting awareness of manufacturing options and techniques.