Real-Time Library Occupancy: Traffic Light System at 9 Swedish Libraries

Public libraries in Sweden are using CountMatters’ real-time occupancy data and a simple traffic light system to keep visitors safe, avoid overcrowding, and comply with local regulations – without adding extra workload for staff.

WHY LIBRARIES USE REAL-TIME OCCUPANCY

Libraries are open, democratic spaces – and they must also respect defined capacity limits, fire safety rules and visitor comfort. During busy hours, exams, events or unexpected peaks, it’s critical to know: How many people are inside right now?

With CountMatters’ people counting solution at the entrance, each visit is measured in real time and visualised through a clear traffic light display:

• Green: Visitors are welcome, capacity is available.
• Yellow: Close to the limit, staff can prepare.
• Red: Capacity reached – please wait before entering.

Visitors understand the situation at a glance, staff avoid manual counting at the door, and management can prove that local guidelines are followed.

HOW THE SOLUTION WORKS

The setup is based on accurate people counting sensors installed at one or more entrances. Each entry and exit is tracked anonymously and merged into a live occupancy view in the CountMatters platform. The traffic light widget reads directly from this data and updates instantly.

Key capabilities:

• Real-time occupancy for single or multiple entrances.
• Automatic traffic light updates – no manual operation needed.
• Anonymous, GDPR-compliant data handling (no faces, no PII).
• Web-based dashboards for staff, security and management.

For locations that require very high precision, installations can include leading 3D sensors such as Xovis, fully integrated into CountMatters’ analytics.

BENEFITS FOR STAFF, VISITORS & MANAGEMENT

The real-time occupancy and traffic light system is designed to reduce friction – not create new tasks.

• For staff: No stressful manual counting, fewer difficult discussions at the entrance.
• For visitors: Clear, transparent information before entering, leading to higher trust and comfort.
• For management: Reliable data to document compliance, optimise opening hours, staffing and space usage.

Over time, the historic data also shows how different events, seasons and campaigns affect visitor flows, helping libraries plan smarter.

LIBRARIES USING THE TRAFFIC LIGHT & OCCUPANCY SYSTEM

The CountMatters-powered real-time occupancy and traffic light solution has been deployed across several public libraries in Sweden, including:

• Sollentuna Public Library
• Arena Edsberg Public Library
• Arena Rotebro Public Library
• Solna Public Library
• Bergshamra Public Library
• Skellefteå Public Library
• Campus Library Skellefteå
• Signalfabriken – Sundbyberg Public Library
• Hallonbergen – Sundbyberg Public Library

Each site uses the same principle: automatic counting at the entrance, shared rules for capacity, and a simple visual layer that everyone understands.

GDPR-FIRST BY DESIGN

CountMatters’ solutions for public spaces are built to be privacy-safe from day one:

• No facial recognition.
• No biometric storage.
• No personally identifiable information.
• Only anonymised, aggregated occupancy and visitor flow data.

That makes the system suitable for libraries, municipalities, universities and other sensitive environments.

ABOUT COUNTMATTERS

CountMatters helps shopping centres, retail chains, cities and public institutions collect and understand visitor data. Using people counting sensors, real-time occupancy, footfall analytics and integrations with existing systems, CountMatters turns complex flows into clear, GDPR-compliant insights that are easy to act on.

Want to see how real-time occupancy can work in your library or public space?