Aldrich Public Library in Barre, Vermont

One of the many features of this historic library's recent addition is the well-designed ground level meeting room.  Because the room also serves as gallery space,  you see a combination of gallery track lights and recessed ceiling fixtures.

The LCD projector is mounted on the ceiling, eliminating the need for a media cart and additional storage space.  Nonetheless, there is good storage for chairs and tables so that the room is quite flexible - easily set up and broken down. 

A small kitchen constructed against one wall of the room maximizes the public meeting space while still providing  facilities for events.  When desired, it can be hidden from view by pocket doors (shown on the left of the photo).  This is a very effective solution if space is limited.
On an upper floor there is a second kitchen which doubles as a staff area. It is adjacent to the library's board room.

Providing attractive shelving for media is something that libraries often struggle with.  I think that Aldrich has a very effective system which is both attractive and practical.  I was told by Library Director, Karen Lane, that the original unit came from a gift shop that was going out of business.  It worked so well in the library that they asked a local carpenter to duplicate the design.  The result is here. 

 When the library expanded in the middle of this decade, the architect incorporated the exterior of the old building into the interior design, giving a lovely transition between the old and new sections.

 

Special thanks to my good friend, colleague, and Library Director, Karen Lane, who took time to chat with me about her wonderful library!