Library Space Traveler

A Work in Progress: The JCOGS Library in Stowe, Vermont

2011-08-07T16:36:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy summer here in Vermont, and my blog posts have been placed on the back burner for awhile as I tackle several fascinating projects. One of these has been my work in helping the Jewish Community of Greater Stowe (JCOGS) get a library of Judaica up and running for its congregation.

Several years ago, a generous collection of books was donated to the JCOGS congregation to found a library which would serve their community. After a room was set aside and furnished, JCOGS decided to call upon my services to complete work on this exciting new library. My mission was to establish an online catalogue, train volunteers, and determine how to accommodate the growing collection within the space available in the building.

The collection was housed at the bottom of the staircase on the lower level of the building. It offered a warm, family-friendly space enhanced by comfortable furnishings and a pleasant color scheme. The only difficulty was that the existing shelves were already filled, and more books were stored in boxes waiting for attention. With the collection growing, the shelf space would be quickly maxed out, yet the addition of more shelves would risk the loss of some of the features (such as the sofa) that made this room so welcoming.

A conference room was located just down the hall from the library, making some in the congregation wonder whether that space would be more suitable for the library as it offered considerably more wall space.

Others in the congregation were concerned that the conference room was less welcoming and wouldn't afford enough space for recreational use, such as the book and film discussions which regularly took place. Here are photos of the conference room at the time of those discussions.

After looking at the pros and cons of each option, I proposed that the library use both rooms: the original room as a "community space" for book and film discussions, as well as for Jewish fiction, cookbooks, children's materials. The conference room would then house the scholarly collection including religious texts, history, biography, and reference materials.

My aim was to "warm up" the room with the addition of attractive shelving, and allow the scholarly collection plenty of room to grow.

The shelves were built by a local contractor, using my specifications for color and materials. They are bolted to the wall for safety. The conference table doubles as a study table, and there is a plan to add a reading chair as well.

There is still more work to do, but a great deal of progress has been made toward launching the JCOGS library and its online catalogue in the fall. I'll post again when the project is finished!

Joslin Memorial Library in Waitsfield, Vermont

2011-05-25T11:07:00.000-07:00

In 1913, just two years after the dedication of the renowned New York Public Library building in Manhattan (see my earlier post), the small town of Waitsfield, Vermont laid the cornerstone of the Joslin Memorial Library. It was a gift of Waitsfield native, George Alfred Joslin who had made his fortune in the newspaper business. He dedicated the library as a memorial to his grandfather, Joseph Joslin.

Like the donors who helped to build New York's great library, George A. Joslin was part of a "Golden Age" of library construction in the U.S. which saw the country's successful entrepreneurs embark upon thousands of public library projects. You'll find a fuller history of the Waitsfield library at this website: http://www.central-vt.com/towns/library/Waitsfld.htm.

From what I could tell, the library's footprint has not changed since its construction- almost 100 years ago. The lower level of the building still houses municipal offices as it has since the beginning. The last major change took place in the 1970's when a children's area was set up in the room to the right of the entrance, a room which had housed the town post office until 1966. During the post office years, the librarian also served as postmaster and janitor!

Given the fact that the library is occupying a building designed early in the previous century, the Joslin Library has had to be very creative about how to fit a 21st century service into what is essentially a 19th century structure.

I'll start by pointing out some of the striking original features of the building. In the library's vestibule (above), note the decorative floor tiles, the marble wall, and the oak doors.

This window above the main entrance has been described as a "starburst" design. I believe that you can see this feature in other libraries built around this era.

In the handsomely detailed ceiling there is a stained glass skylight, which was described by the architect as an "art glass panel".

The light fixtures are still original to the building.

Book shelves have been added as the library has grown. The metal shelving shown at right is softened by the use of wood panels at the end of each bank. Grooved wooden book supports mounted on the panels are very effective in displaying materials.

Here you can see part of what was originally a massive oak circulation station.

Part of that was removed and replaced by what is essentially a more space-saving office desk. Librarian Joy Worland told me that the library had just finished automating. Note that laptops are used, once again because they save space.

This view from the desk gives you an excellent idea of this historic library's gracious interior.

Because the library has no dedicated program space, programs are held within the library itself. Stacking chairs are tucked in along the walls and brought out when the library hosts a speaker.

Like other libraries, the Joslin Memorial has found that the availability of current information on the Internet has allowed them to downsize the reference collection. The library is taking advantage of this trend to create an area for young adult materials in the main section of the library. As you can see from the photo on right, this is a project that is now underway.

With our back to the circulation desk, we are now looking down the corridor toward the children's area, with it's inviting blue rug.

The children's collection is housed in a cozy and inviting room. They have made the best of their space shortage by the use of plexiglass book display holders (on right in photo) which allow books to be attractively displayed on windowsills while still permitting light to come through.

On the wall opposite the windows pictured above, the bulletin board cleverly placed above the bank of shelves offers space for signs and appealing displays without a loss of wall or floor space.

Even with little or no extra space, the library staff has made the most of what they have. Plastic bins and baskets keep things tidy and attractive; appealing displays make children want to pick up a featured book.

With very little storage space, I asked about how the library managed its book sale. Their solution is an "ongoing" book sale, tucked into a shelf in the marble-walled vestibule - a very effective solution.

Finally, public internet stations (to right of photo) are located near the main entrance. You'll notice as you look toward the back of the room how all available wall space is being used and while the shelves are crowded, there is still a feeling of spaciousness.

I would like to thank librarian Joy Worland for her great work and for her willingness to take the time show me through this historic library. As the Joslin library approaches its centennial, it will be looking to expand upon the existing century-old space and to make the library handicap accessible. It will be exciting to see their progress! For more information, check out the Joslin Memorial Library's website at: http://www.joslinmemoriallibrary.com/

A library neither small nor rural: some thoughts inspired by a brief visit to the New York Public Library

2011-04-16T07:46:00.000-07:00

I've been busy with a some interesting consulting work and so have had little time for the library visits I've enjoyed so much. However, a family wedding brought me to New York City a few weeks ago. I wandered its noisy, vibrant streets, amazed by the city's joyous energy. Eventually, my perambulations brought me to the renowned New York Public Library. How could I not venture inside for a brief visit?

It is a jaw-dropping experience. In case you've never had the pleasure, I offer a telling glimpse of the building's opulence by showing you a lowly drinking fountain on the main floor!

The famed Map Room wasn't yet open, so I ducked into the Genealogy Division on the first floor whose windows look out onto Bryant Park in early spring. Note the graceful London plane trees which shade the park in summer.

You can imagine what it must have felt like to be an immigrant in the early part of the 20th century and to enter a place such as this: a veritable palace of learning, open to everyone. Every bit as much as the Statue of Liberty promised freedom, this library has promised hope.

Like many of the rural libraries I'm familiar with in Vermont and New Hampshire, the NYPL was born in an era between the late 19th and early 20th centuries when public libraries were taking hold of the public imagination.

As we all know, one of the prime movers behind the expansion of public libraries during this period was the Scottish-born industrialist Andrew Carnegie.

Although the founding bequest that helped to build the NYPL was from another philanthropist (former governor Samuel J. Tilden) Carnegie followed up by donating the funds to develop a system of neighborhood branch libraries in New York.

Carnegie famously said, "There is not such a cradle of democracy upon the earth as the Free Public Library, this republic of letters, where neither rank, office, nor wealth receives the slightest consideration."

Here's a link to more information on the founding and building of the NYPL: http://www.nypl.org/help/about-nypl/history

I thought about this era, with its unprecedented construction of beautiful and well-stocked library buildings, and about the philosophy which inspired them. Clearly, the concept had its detractors. But the many benefactors who donated the funds to erect public libraries in their communities, both urban and rural, had the same message in mind: "If you work hard and educate yourself you too can realize the American dream."

Sadly, that time in our history has passed. It's unlikely, in the push for ever lower taxes, that public institutions such as these will enjoy the support that they did at their founding. But interestingly, when requests for library funding are put directly before the voters, the voters almost always say yes. People still believe that public libraries are one of the most important institutions in our democracy.

This leads me to wonder about the disconnect between governments and the governed. If our local governments listened to their constituencies there would be a great deal more money available in this country for the building and stocking of public libraries. Failing that, perhaps there are some modern Carnegies waiting in the wings to build a lasting monument to the concept of hope through learning.

Dorothy Alling Memorial Library in Williston, Vermont

2011-03-06T13:05:00.000-08:00

Although the Town of Williston established a public library as early as 1905, the library didn't find a permanent home until 1958. In that year, the widower of Dorothy Alling had a library building constructed to honor his late wife's long-time support of the library.
The brick colonial revival building, appropriately christened the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, offered 1500 square feet of library space and served the town until the 1980's when the growth of Williston made it clear that more space would be needed. The first addition to the original building was completed in 1986 followed by a second addition in 1998, bringing the library to 9500 square feet. For more information on the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library be sure to go to its excellent website at http://www.williston.lib.vt.us/

The main desk faces you directly as you come through the doors. There's ample work space behind the desk, flowing directly into the staff offices.

Just across from the main desk I noted an original take on the question of whether or not people should be permitted to eat in the library. Here, library customers are invited to enjoy their lunch or coffee at little cafe tables set up near the front door.

Let's take a quick peek behind the desk to see their DVD system. For security reasons the staff decided to keep the actual DVDs behind the desk, leaving only the cases on display. The DVDs are stored in numbered envelopes which match the numbers on the cases. As in a video store (remember those?) the patron simply brings the case to the desk and the staff quickly retrieves the item and inserts it into the case. In fact, it's better than a video store since you're able to keep the original case when you check out the item. This system is simple, cost effective and space-saving.

The spacious office area is well-planned, and accommodates the library's entire staff. Although the offices are located in the central interior of the building, there are many windows which face directly into almost every public area of the library. Kitchen facilities, seen in the photo at left, are tucked in on one wall out of public view.

To the right of the main desk is the library's adult collection, housed in a large, bright room. This room combines functionality with comfort, and features inviting nooks for reading or study.

In the photo below we are looking out from the adult section, back toward the main desk. Here's an idea I haven't seen anywhere else as yet: see-through display cases which are built into the wall, giving a sight line from one area to the other. It's pretty nifty, and we'll see it repeated as we move to the children's area.

In this view we are looking down the corridor connecting the main desk area and adult collections to the youth collections. The left hand wall of the corridor is used for art exhibits. Windows in that wall provide natural light into the staff offices thanks to the large exterior windows on the right of the corridor. They offer a lovely view of the library's garden, seen below in winter.

Perhaps the centerpiece of the Youth Area is "The Family Room", the connecting link between the picture book room, the meeting room, and the youth collection. Truly a multi-purpose area, it is popular with teens and with parents waiting for children during story times. It also serves as an expansion of the meeting room which is facing us in the photo.

For popular programs the doors between the Meeting Room and the Family Room can be folded back, almost doubling the available space.

Here's a closer look at the Meeting Room itself. The closet to the left of the podium contains a kitchenette. There is also storage for chairs and for audio-visual equipment. Spotlights and audio speakers are mounted on the ceiling.

Aside from the picture books themselves, perhaps the highlight of this room is a charming mural by a very talented local artist, featuring views of Lake Champlain and its" Lake Monster", Champ.

The photo on right is taken in the "Family Room", looking toward the youth collection. Note once again the see-through display case. In brief, the Youth Area of this library consists of the Family Room, a Picture Book Room for pre-schoolers, and a third room housing materials for older children and young adults.

I'll close this post with a view of the bay window in the Children's Area. The comfy cushions and chairs offer a perfect welcome for young readers.

Many thanks to dynamic Library Director, Marti Fiske, for taking the time to show me around. It's inspiring to see how far this busy library has come over the last few decades!

Rockland Public Library in Rockland, Maine

2011-02-08T11:28:00.000-08:00

This posting is a tribute to our late friend, Patrick Reilley of Rockland, and to his work on the library committee which restored and expanded this beautiful library in 2001.

The Rockland Public Library, one of the famed Carnegie libraries, was completed in 1904 on land provided by the Town of Rockland. In 1996, town visionaries created the Rockland Endowment Association with the purpose of soliciting private donations to improve their library. It is a testament to the people of Rockland that their efforts raised an astounding three million dollars. These funds made possible the expansion and restoration that we will see today on our tour. For more information on the library, check out the website at http://www.rocklandlibrary.org/cs/?render=homepage

You will find two "main" entrances to this library: the historic entrance at the top of the page, and the entrance to the new section on the opposite side of the building, seen on the right.

There is a service desk at each entrance with sight lines that go directly from one to the other. In this view we are at the historic entrance looking back to the new entrance. Note the handsome curved desk which serves as an information/reference point. It looks toward the circulation desk straight ahead in the new section.

Now let's look at the library interior from the new entrance. Note that the original exterior has been preserved in this restoration. The connecting atrium gives us the illusion of being outdoors. Its effect is stunning and cheerful. Here is another view of this area and its atrium.

During our dark New England winters, it's helpful to remember that a large, bright window can transform itself into a black wall by 4:30 on a December afternoon. The architect took this into account by using track lighting above the glass to warm up the area when there is no light coming in.

Directly off the circulation area in the new section is the children's room, a nicely-planned space. I liked the juxtaposition of the children's area and the main circulation area as both are active and noise-tolerant spaces.

In the photo above we have a view of the circulation desk from the children's room. The French doors to the right of the photo lead into the "children's garden", a fully enclosed garden space. Sadly, wintertime doesn't allow us to fully appreciate this charming feature, but one can fully imagine how inviting this must be in warmer weather. Here's a view looking out from a window in the children's area.

In an alcove adjacent to the children's room is a nifty storage area for story time and craft supplies.

Below is a view of the children's room from the main circulation desk. It has a fine bay window - an inviting reading area for parents and kids. I also want to point out the pendant lighting fixtures which are used throughout both the new and old sections of the building. They provide good light while preserving the historic feel.

Directly across the new addition, on the other side of the circulation desk, I found the audio book section. Note the clear wall lettering, a way-finding system used throughout the building to good effect.

Before we go into the historic section of the building, I wanted to point out another view of the circulation area and the clearly designated display of new materials. It seemed that there was very good communication between the library building committee and the architects; the library is laid out in a thoughtful and customer-friendly way, all the while preserving the beauty of the original structure.

This is a view of the periodical reading room from the information desk in the original structure. Note the beautiful architectural details, the ironwork, and the handsome fireplace fitted with a modern insert. This is such a gracious and welcoming space, clearly beloved by library customers today.

In the wing opposite the reading room is the non-fiction area, thoughtfully placed adjacent to the information desk. Note the glassed-in area for quiet study.

Once again, this area is clearly signed as you can see in the photo below.

Here's another photo of the historic section looking up at the beautiful lines of the ceiling.

In several of these photos you can see the use of well-chosen pendant lighting fixtures which seem to bridge the gap between the early 20th century architecture and modern 21st century illumination needs.

Another nice design feature is the use of cushioned window seats along a number of windows.

The library's ground level serves a variety of functions, housing a tutorial room, the board room, a community meeting room, and the library's own book store, "The Book Stop".

This unique take on the traditional library book sale features a large, plate-glass window looking out onto the corridor. As you can see, this is not your typical book sale, but an actual retail space staffed by volunteers and filled with eager shoppers. To learn more about "The Book Stop", check this link: http://www.rocklandlibrary.org/cs/?render=page&callname=book_stop.

Warm congratulations to all those who have had a part in the renaissance of this beautiful library, and thanks to Children's Librarian, Jean Young for taking some time out to show me around on a busy Saturday.

Reflections at the beginning of a new year

2011-01-15T10:34:00.000-08:00

I noticed today that this little blog has been viewed well over 1,000 times since I began my travels through library space a little over four months ago. Thanks to all of my viewers for your encouragement! Now, with the new year underway, it seemed a good time to reflect on how I began this journey and to muse a bit over what I've learned on my travels.

When I decided to move away from library administration my intention was to become an avid library user. I wanted more time to read some of the fascinating books I had ordered for the Kellogg-Hubbard Library over the years- but hadn't had time to read; I wanted to experience libraries from the other side of the desk; and I wanted to pursue a new career. What I hadn't anticipated was how interested I would continue to be in the concept of the library as a public space. It was this interest that inspired me to become a consultant with that concept in mind.

Over the course of my travels I was reminded that rural libraries generally cope with a shortage of space and a shortage of money. Nonetheless, they are beloved by their customers - those thrifty New Englanders who wholeheartedly embrace the notion of shared community resources. Librarians are revered in their communities as caring and intelligent purveyors of public knowledge, regardless of how small or poorly funded the library may be. These librarians are masters at making the proverbial "stone soup": serving up a wonderful range of materials and services on a tiny budget.

Yet, there's not a librarian I've met who doesn't want more for his or her customers. Some long for a larger book budget or more computers, some envision an entirely new library, some are planning an expansion of an existing space, and others are simply looking for new ways to make their existing space better. I admit to wishing more than once that I had time to make this journey while I was still a library director; there's no question that I would have adopted some good ideas to improve the experience of customers in my own library. With luck, other librarians who are now in that position will find the blog a helpful resource and I welcome your suggestions and comments.

Imagining a new way to use space that we have inhabited every day is always a big challenge. And when one is thinking about an entirely new space for a library it's equally difficult to imagine how that space should be laid out.

It may be helpful to imagine the experience of a person coming through the library doors. What is the first thing he or she sees? If the customer is a child or a senior citizen, what would help them feel comfortable? I've heard it suggested that we walk through the library while paying particular attention to what a customer's journey will be like. For instance, what do they hear within each space? What do they touch? What's it like to find a book, pull up a chair, turn on a lamp, sit at a computer, hold a handrail, and so on? Do the transitions in the building make sense? Can we give our customers the experience they need while trying surpass their expectations?

In my travels I've seen that small details are important — and I am talking about the ones that are most simple and obvious. A well-placed chair, a clear directional sign, a welcoming corner that invites a child to curl up with a book, an attractive mural, good task lighting: these are the small things that can enhance the experience of the library at minimal cost.

Next week we'll be back on the road and escorting you through still more great libraries. If for any reason you can't post a comment, feel free to send me an e-mail at: hilari@librariesthat work.com.

Brownell Library in Essex Junction, Vermont

2010-12-28T13:43:00.000-08:00

First established in 1897, the original library building, still used today, was financed and partly designed by local businessman, Samuel Brownell. It opened in 1926. Since that time the library has undergone several additions, the most recent of which took place in 2001, thanks to generous grants from the Freeman Foundation and the Kolvoord family.

Under the able leadership of library director, Penny Pillsbury, the interior of this library has been arranged with the customer very much in mind. For example, just inside the main entrance library customers are offered shopping baskets.

Another detail worthy of note is the library's excellent use of signs: they are clear, well-placed and informative. The glass window at the entrance has been transformed beautifully into a space for advertising library events.

The library also makes use of lucite frames for sign mounting. These are readily available at office supply retailers, and while not inexpensive, they are both durable and flexible. They can be mounted on the wall or shelf end panels using velcro, double-sided tape, or screws. Here are more examples. Note also the legibility of the typeface.

While we're on the subject of signs, there was also inspired use of local artistic talent. For example, the library's teens were put to work designing pictorial signs for the children's non-fiction area. Here's one of the many lovely signs which came out of that project.

This display of graphic novels might have been overlooked but for the eye-catching sign which invites customers to browse.

In most of the libraries I have visited, the children's department is housed at basement level. This is fairly typical as librarians attempt to find space in which children can express themselves more freely without having to worry about the quiet that some adult patrons might expect. At Brownell, it was decided to move the children's department to the main floor where it shares some space with adult services. Nevertheless, the design takes the divergent needs of adults and children into account.

One advantage of this system is that the two circulation desks are separate, but contiguous, allowing easy movement and communication among staff serving each population. In the photo at right we are facing the children's desk but looking at the corridor between the two service areas.

The adult non-fiction area was moved to the basement level, allowing for quieter study space. Because it is away from the main service area, a reference desk is staffed there to assist customers. Here's the attractive entrance to the stacks. The stairway would be on the left.

I'd like to take a moment to highlight some of the shelving. Like the Warren Public Library, the Brownell has made excellent use of local woodworkers to build fixtures perfectly suited to the library's needs. Here are some lovely display shelves.

South Burlington woodworker, Bob Bouvier built these CD shelves. In the unit on the left the lower drawers pull out smoothly for easy access to the materials.

Books on CD are are on these slanted shelves, making them easy to see. All of the shelving is on casters so that the central floor space can be cleared for events.

On the other hand, librarians can also be talented scavengers when it comes to finding fixtures which would be very expensive to purchase. These fine DVD shelves were obtained when a local video store closed its doors.

Seating is another area of strength in the Brownell's interior. This beautiful room in the original library section houses CDs, fiction, and new materials.

The original fireplace was fitted with a modern fireplace insert, making it once again the inviting reading area that the architect had once intended.
Below is yet another comfortale spot which in which readers may sit and browse.

A nice corner with good light in which to be read a story in the Children's Area.

While we're in the Children's Area, I wanted to point out that the picture books for the youngest children are in their own room on the main floor, while the area for older children adjoins the rest of the services on that floor. Here's another view of the room:

One of the newest additions to the library, added in 2001, is the Kolvoord Community Room. A bathroom, kitchenette, and coat closet are part of this facility which is accessible from the outside when the library is closed. Activities for children also take place in this bright space.

The young adult area is in a small, welcoming room on the main floor, close to the circulation desks. YA Librarian, Kat Redniss, has a number of plans for this room and I look forward to returning at some point in the future to see what changes she has in store. I enjoyed the teen art on the walls, including this poster:

From here, I just want to point out a number of other good ideas I noted during my tour of the Brownell. For example, the simple use of cork strips turned a brick wall into an exhibition space.

On the right you'll see a designated cell phone area, well-placed beside the elevator to keep phone conversations from being intrusive to others. Some libraries don't allow cell phones at all, but on this wintry afternoon it seems a more customer-friendly compromise rather than letting the cell phone users shiver outside!

At Brownell, new acquisitions are displayed on this lazy susan, custom-built for the library.

I liked the Large Print Area, with its good lighting and comfortable seating. And the Periodical Area featured hot beverages!

In addition to the library's regular books sales, the Friends of the Library host an "Eternal Book Sale" throughout the year, which offers more desirable titles at slightly higher prices.

Every part of this library was thoughtfully planned for the convenience of its customers. The rambling structure could have been confusing, but the clear signs made it easy to navigate. There was a willingness to "think outside the box" when it came to allocating space and the result is excellent. I want to thank all of the staff at the Brownell Library for their great work, and particularly Library Director, Penny Pillsbury, Youth Services Librarian, Mary Graf, and Young Adult Librarian, Kat Redniss, for taking the time to show me around a library that they have every reason to be proud of.

Warren Public Library in Warren, Vermont

2010-11-22T05:57:00.000-08:00

I have long looked forward to visiting this library, as Deborah Kahn, the head librarian, had interned with me at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier as part of her coursework during her Masters studies at McGill University. When she was hired in Warren, I followed the library's progress with interest, but until now I hadn't had time to drive down and see the fruits of Deborah's hard work.

Although the Warren Public Library was founded some 100 years ago, it has had several homes during the course of its long history. From the 1970's the library was housed in the town's Municipal Building. But with this small town's continued growth it became clear that the library was running out of space. A strong community effort recently brought the library to its newest home, the Warren Town Hall. The design of the new library was done by Waitsfield architect, Ellen Strauss, of Sanford/Strauss Architects. You can see more photos of the library at their website, http://www.sanfordstrauss.com/.

The town hall, as you can see in the historic photo displayed prominently in the library, was originally built on a slab and rested at ground level.

However, in the 1950's, the town raised the building and put a full basement underneath as you can see from the current photo below.

Since the building entrance was no longer at ground level, one priority in the move was to make the building handicap accessible. This was neatly accomplished through a small elevator addition to the left of the front entrance. The library's hand-built book drop (on right) was tucked in beside the elevator entrance, insuring that both the entrance and the book drop were easily accessible. I'd like to mention right away that almost all of the library's shelving and other fixtures were made by Vermont woodworkers. We'll see more of their work inside the building.

Proceeding through the main entrance and into the lobby, we can see the elevator door and accessible bathroom.

The lobby prominently displays the names of individuals and organizations which supported the move to this new facility - an important acknowledgment of those who worked hard to make this a reality.

Now let's enter the library itself. Note the bright space and original beadboard wall finish. The circulation desk was moved from the original location and is well positioned at the entrance to the room.

In the photo below, you can see the three-sided "bulletin board" positioned around one of the supporting posts across from the circulation desk. It's constructed of slatted boards, salvaged from a gift shop, and posters and fliers are mounted with alligator clips. Again, I always enjoy seeing ideas for turning disruptive architectural features into assets. This is an interesting solution for any library lacking sufficient wall space for announcements and posters.

Here is an example of the locally-built shelving which is featured throughout the library. An excellent local craftsman developed the specs for this sturdy hardwood shelving, and the library used the specs when they advertised for carpenters. When the project was completed, the fixtures still ended up costing less than comparable furnishings available through the usual library supply warehouses. The light color adds to the brightness of the library. It's important to point out that the shelving came in under the cost which would have been charged by library suppliers, and they were able to customize fixtures to suit the library's needs.

The library graciously gave credit to those who worked on the shelving and furniture here:

The computer table at left is another example of the craftsmanship that went into this library. Outlets are built into the desktop, as well as into the tops of the reading tables, as you can see below.

Looking toward the back of the room we see a very creative use of an unusual building feature. Because Warren Town Meeting was held in this building for many years, the library wanted to preserve the original stage. The stage is now home to the library's children's area, offering a special and unique environment for the library's youngest patrons. We'll see more of it as we go along.

The audio-visual shelves separating the children's area on the stage from the remainder of the library provide a firm safety barrier for children. However, they can also be easily dismantled and moved should the library want to use the stage at any point. In fact, the fixtures in this area have been customized so that the entire area near the stage can be cleared for events in five minutes by only two people! It's yet another advantage to having shelves and furniture custom-built.

Stepping up a few stairs to the stage, we enter the children's area of the library. It has an appropriately cozy feel, with a small story area and cheerful rug in one corner. Again, the stools that you see in the photo were custom-built.

On the back wall (and ceiling) is a charming work-in-progress by Children's Librarian, Colleen Mays. To the left of the tree you can see more custom-made cabinetry.

Here is a shot of the library taken from the children's area "stage". Most of the overhead lamps were original to the building, although more were added when the library moved in. They provide good light. This photo is looking back toward the office area and circulation desk. By the way, the office furnishings were built through the Vermont Offenders Work Program.

Going back into the main part of the library, I wanted to point out a nifty gadget for highlighting new library materials. These "Shelfwiz" label holders were probably intended for the retail industry, but are perfect for libraries. You can check out their website here: http://www.shelfwiz.com/.

Finally, even this relatively small library has saved room for displaying the work of local artists.

One of the things that most struck me about my time at the Warren Public Library was how proud the library patrons were of their library. During my tour, several people stopped me to praise it and to tell me about the "bucket-brigade" book transfer that had allowed a smooth move between the library's last home and its current one. I want to thank librarian, Deborah Kahn for giving me such an interesting tour of the library, and to commend all of her accomplishments. The library is in a very fine new home! Check out the library's website at: http://www.warrenlibrary.com/warren/

Stowe Free Library in Stowe, Vermont

2010-10-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

Stowe has been a magnet for tourists since before the Civil War. In fact, the Stowe Free Library was founded with a donation of 51 books from a group of summer hotel guests who used proceeds from an art sale to fund the purchase of this founding collection. It was supplemented by a town appropriation of $100, making Stowe the first town in Vermont to appropriate a sum of money for library purposes under the state law of 1865.

The classic Greek Revival building where the library is now located was originally built as a school in 1863. The building was abandoned in 1974 and slated for demoliton when a new high school was constructed outside town. Thanks to a bequest from Helen Day Montanari and the diligent work of local preservationists, the old schoolhouse was restored in 1981 to house the Stowe Free Library and the Helen Day Arts Center.

I worked at the Stowe Free Library from 1987 through 2000, and I'm proud to have been part of a small team that worked to expand the library in 1993-94. The design of the lovely addition was by Montpelier architect, Barbara Conrey. Thus, this visit was particularly enjoyable as I caught up with many old friends and colleagues. There have been some changes and improvements over the last number of years which I'll point out as we go.

To the right is the library lobby. The built-in display cabinet makes great use of the lobby while providing excellent security for items displayed. You will note that decorative molding on walls and doors throughout the library supports the neo-classical theme of the building - and at minimal cost.

The front desk faces you as you enter. Like the circulation desk at the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, the higher shelves enhance the available work space behind the desk. The central part of the desk is low, making it accessible both to children and to people with disabilities. Again, note the molding which ties the desk in with the rest of the building. Here's a glimpse behind the desk.

The dark wood shelving in the library was made by local craftsmen and gives the library a cozy feel that patrons enjoy. Note the book supports that were added to the end of the shelves for display purposes.

Effectively lighting public libraries is both challenging and important. Here, additional lighting was added later as new shelving was built and dark spots needed to be addressed. Note both the track lighting as well as the globe lights.

Here is an example of some of the original fluorescent lighting. Note the unusual rectangular pattern in the ceiling lights. This setup offers more flexibility if the shelving layout is changed in the future. I always liked the molding around the fixtures which minimized the intrusiveness of having modern fixtures in an older building.

Here's another view of the stacks and the lighting above.

The periodical reading room was originally placed adjacent to the children's area in an open plan system. The reading room was later walled in to provide a quieter space. However, the French door and large windows preserve the light and airy feel of the original space.

Because libraries are the focal points of their communities, bulletin boards are in great demand for postings of local events. The rear entrance of the library provides ample space for posters (note the two bulletin boards). The pamphlet holders on left of photo have been very useful as space for additional library and community information.

A local interior designer took the functional walls of the library's meeting room and gave them visual interest as well as a thoughtful quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson.

I want to thank the outgoing Stowe Free Library Director, Stephanie Chase, for a great visit. She has done a magnificent job and I wish her the best of luck in her new position. I also want to thank all of my former colleagues at the Stowe Free Library, as well as the library board (past and present) for their years of commitment to this important institution. It has been nothing short of an inspiration to see how far the library has come since I first arrived!

Bradford Public Library in Bradford, Vermont

2010-10-16T19:24:00.000-07:00

Each library visit brings its own share of surprises, but I admit to being unprepared for what an extraordinary structure awaited me in Bradford. The present library was erected during the "golden age" of Vermont library construction in 1895. As stated in the address at the library's dedication, “Two sentiments dominate the day — loyalty to the nation and love of learning...." In fact, Bradford showed an interest in libraries as far back as 1796 when it became the first town in Vermont to charter a public library.

Like Hardwick's Jeudevine Public Library, which I visited earlier, this library was designed by the great 19th century Vermont architect, Lambert Packard. Although both library buildings are adapted from the "Richardsonian Romanesque" style, they are remarkably different inside. In Bradford, the architectural centerpiece is the round reading room (a kind of polygon) which you can see in the exterior shot above.

Because of the light flooding in from the many windows in the reading room, it was very difficult to get an interior photograph that could fully capture the grandeur of a space which invites the visitor to pursue "a love of learning".

The focal point of this grand room is a large fireplace flanked by two lions. Notice the built-in teacup warmers to the left of the hearth.

As in other historic libraries I've visited, the librarians have a challenge to meet: while maintaining the integrity of a beautiful 19th century structure they must also serve a 21st century public.

For example, note the track lights tucked along the beams of the striking ceiling of the reading room.

The librarians at the Bradford Public Library do an outstanding job of marketing the library collection to the public. Displays can be difficult to position in a building such as this, but they are prominent and well thought-out. For example, on a table in front of the shelf of "patron picks" is a do-it-yourself coffee-maker. Because the display, of necessity, was tucked into a corner, the librarians used the presence of a coffee machine to draw attention to it!

Another challenge presented by the 19th century architecture was the mezzanine, which now houses the library's non-fiction collection. Because the librarians found that people did not realize that they were able to go upstairs, they posted multi-colored signs directly underneath the balcony and behind the main desk to draw attention to the subjects which could be found in the upstairs collection.

Here's a view of the mezzanine above the desk.

Like the nearby Blake Memorial Library in East Corinth, the Bradford Library moved its children's area downstairs in order to give its collection more space to grow. In this large space, the walls were painted in brilliant, cheerful hues.

In one section of the children's area there is a large post which supports the reading room above it. This has been boxed in and the surfaces display children's artwork. In yet another example of how one can turn a potentially disruptive architectural feature into an asset, seating and storage have been built in around the post.

I want to end my visit by thanking Library Co-Director, Debra Tinkham, for the top-to-bottom tour of this architectural treasure. I was impressed by her energy and good ideas and want to congratulate her and her Co-Director Gail LaVaude, for making this such a vibrant community library. It is well worth a visit.

Blake Memorial Library in East Corinth, Vermont

2010-10-07T04:58:00.000-07:00

In 1949 this building was erected to replace the town's original 1902 library which was destroyed in a fire. For more on the Blake Memorial's history, check out the website at http://www.blakememorial.org/. I was told by librarian, Ken Linge, that the original building was a grander structure. However, while the 1949 building is simple it is also harmonious, practical and pleasing.

On the main floor I found an interesting take on shelving, with bookshelves built above a counter and cabinets below, almost as you'd find in a kitchen. I've never seen anything quite like this in a library, but the staff has made good use of the counter as display space. The cabinets below the counter probably provide convenient storage for library supplies.

When the library began to outgrow its existing space on the main floor, it was decided to finish the basement and to move the children's area downstairs in order to give the book collection room to grow. The photo on the right shows the staircase from the main floor. Note the rabbit, painted by Vermont artist, Peggy Watson, at the foot of the staircase.

Above that, going up the staircase, is an illustration dedicated to the library's youngest patrons by well known children's author, illustrator and local resident, Gail Gibbons. For more on Gail, see her website at: http://www.gailgibbons.com/

The rabbit above isn't the only example of Peggy Watson's wonderful work. This mural, a Vermont farm scene, transforms the children's area.
It feels almost like walking directly into a child's picture book.

The ground floor also doubles as programming space. In the photo on right, note the free art prints obtained by the librarian through Picturing America, a program from the National Endowment for Humanities. To learn more about this initiative, you can go to the website at http://picturingamerica.neh.gov/. These prints provide visual interest, while the comfy sofas and folding chairs offer both an informal reading area and a good space for library programs. This photo doesn't show how large and flexible this area actually is, but it could hold a very respectable crowd!

While the Blake Memorial Library is beginning to outgrow its 1949 building, the existing space is used most imaginatively and is appealing to the public. There is good attention to aesthetics and to the marketing of the library's collection. The fact that there appears to be very strong community involvement with the library attests to its importance in the life of the town. I want to thank Librarian, Ken Linge, for showing me around and for taking time to chat with me. He is doing impressive work.

Peterborough Town Library in Peterborough, New Hampshire

2010-09-30T12:49:00.000-07:00

This library proudly states that it is America's first publicly supported library. From its founding in 1833, it was housed in a number of locations in town. However, in 1893 it finally found a permanent home in the simple but classic brick building shown here. For more on this library's history, check out this link: http://www.libraryhistorybuff.org/peterborough.htm
With the growth of the town, the library undertook a number of additions beginning in 1957, with a second large addition completed in 1978. Since then there were a number of more recent improvements, including the creation of a parking lot and the addition of an air-conditioning system.

The 1978 addition offers a large, open-plan space, with the children's area contiguous to the main desk and periodical reading area. To give you the idea, I took this photo with my back to the main desk, looking toward the children's area. As you can see, the walls are painted a warm red and the new section is lit by large windows. There is a window seat in the children's area which provided a welcoming spot for young readers.

The noise level in such an open space can be a challenge and I was impressed with an original solution that served to kill two birds with one stone. The librarians told me that the activities in the "art area", an exhibit and craft space, were conflicting with the needs of those who wished to read in adjacent areas. They found an interesting fix by carpeting the walls of the art area both to absorb noise and to provide a very flexible gallery space which allowed exhibitors to nail things to the wall without the surface showing any visible holes or dings. The effect was lovely, as you can see here.

It's always fun to see how a library might take a structural feature such as a post and transform it from impediment to asset. This charming games table is a perfect example.

Before leaving, I had to take a photo of one of the most unique features of this library - its own book shop. The next door property was left to the library in a bequest. In a very smart move, they used this lovely building to house an ongoing book sale which, at least in my view, must be the envy of every librarian who has ever struggled with the space required for those important fund-raising book sales.

Thanks to Assistant Director, Linda Kepner and Children's Librarian, Lisa Bearce for taking time out from a busy day to show me around. And congratulations to the Library Director and my former Vermont colleague, Michael Price, for his leadership of this fine library.

St. Johnsury Athenaeum in St. Johnsbury, Vermont

2010-09-16T17:05:00.000-07:00

This spectacular and historic library is one of only ten libraries in the United States with the designation of National Historic Landmark. You can find information on its history at www.stjathenaeum.org.
In 2003 the Athenaeum embarked on a project to add an elevator, replace the heating and electrical systems, add sprinklers and security monitoring, re-paint the interior, and re-locate the children's room. Their architects were Mesick Cohen Wilson Baker of Albany, NY- a firm which specializes in historic preservation. You can find more photos of this project on the architects' website at http://www.mcwb-arch.com/projects/cultural/stjohn.html.

My visit was a reminder of what an asset this library and gallery are to the residents of St. Johnsbury and to Vermonters in general. Here are just some of a number of outstanding ideas in the design and use of this wonderful facility.

Accessibility was one of the challenges this library had to meet.

I used the parking lot at the rear of the building. The book drop was close to the handicapped parking, and the ramp to the elevator on the lower floor was beside that.

Durable flooring for historic buildings poses another interesting challenge. In this case, the library decided to use Marmoleum, defined as a "natural" linoleum. It was polished to a high gloss and looked very effective in the space.
I also enjoyed the juxtaposition of the 19th and 21st centuries in their display of graphic novels on the right of the photo. Difficult to shelve effectively, graphic novels are more appealing and accessible with the covers visible.

Speaking of Marmoleum (which sounds a bit like something you'd spread on toast), it was also used as flooring in the children's room, pictured below. It's an interesting and perhaps greener alternative to the usual commercial-grade carpeting.

The design of the new main desk (at left) fits in beautifully with the interior. The shelves on the top of the desk serve to provide additional work space for the librarians and are effective at concealing any work clutter. It has a very calm and organized feel from the patron's viewpoint, but equally serves the needs of the people who work hard behind the desk!

Now I'm going to take you upstairs to see the creative way in which the architects incorporated the elevator into the building. Interestingly, the elevator shaft was built as a free-standing structure within the stairwell lobby. The librarians have used the back side of the shaft very effectively as an exhibit space.

Below you can see the opposite side of the shaft and the elevator doors. The lighting fixtures maintain the 19th century mood.

The reading room on the second floor (see photo below) has been restored to the original paint colors and the effect is striking. Note the variety of lighting fixtures in the area: overhead lights, task lighting at tables, and stack lights that run along each bank of shelves.

Many thanks to Shara McCaffrey for all of her help during my visit, and gratitude to friend, colleague, and inspiration Lisa von Kann, the Library Director.

Jeudevine Memorial Library in Hardwick, Vermont

2010-09-11T11:44:00.000-07:00

Jeudevine was built in the late 19th century as a memorial to Malina Jeudevine's husband and son. It is considered one of the finest works of Lambert Packard, the architect who also designed the Fairbanks Museum in St. Johnsbury and the Billings Museum at UVM. The building, inside and out, is a beautiful example of late 19th and early 20th century library architecture. There's a full history on the library's website at http://www.jeudevinememoriallibrary.org/.

The library has had to meet the challenge of offering 21st century services in a building designed for the 19th century. The interior of the building is surprisingly small given the architectural impact of the exterior. However, computers have been placed with sensitivity for the integrity of the historic space.

The staff has also done a fine job of supplementing the original shelving. As space for materials ran out, book cases were added to the end of each bank of shelves, and additional shelves were built above the original waist-level shelving (below right).

I couldn't resist posting some photos which I took from the small mezzanine which serves as office space. The floor-to-ceiling paneling, stained glass windows, and exposed beams all make this library a most worthwhile stop on anyone's tour!

Many thanks to Nancy Rogers, Library Clerk, for graciously showing me through the building, and congratulations to Librarian Lisa Sammet for her good work.

Aldrich Public Library in Barre, Vermont

2010-09-05T07:23:00.000-07:00

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!

Ainsworth Public Library in Williamstown Vermont

2010-09-02T12:47:00.000-07:00

One of the most impressive things about our rural libraries is how much they manage to do on very little. The Ainsworth Library is an excellent example of Yankee thrift and ingenuity. Housed in an 1833 brick building, formerly a private home, the Ainsworth is coping very creatively in a tight space, given the library's expanded role as an Internet provider and information center.

On the left above you'll see a bookcase cleverly built into a staircase landing.

On the right, the public Internet terminal is tucked beneath the same staircase.

Local builders have helped out by building bookcases which make use of every inch of wall space - a testament to community involvement.

Here, a local artist transformed a plain table in the children's area to a work of art that forms the centerpiece of the room.

Given the limitations of the current space, it is noteworthy that the librarians have taken extra care to make sure that their library customers are comfortable and that the collection is inviting. Note the chairs positioned in front of the biography section on the second floor. A convenient chair is a small detail, but one which can make all the difference to someone needing a seat from which to browse.
Thanks to Assistant Librarian, Roberta Tracy, for showing me around on a busy day, and appreciation to Librarian, Flora O'Hara, for her fine work.

Brown Public Library in Northfield, Vermont

2010-08-31T10:32:00.000-07:00

Almost all of of the shelving in the library's newer section was custom-made and is holding up very well indeed. Light in color, the finish contributes to the room's bright, cheery aspect. Note that the builder incorporated structural pillars into the shelving, making maximum use of the existing space.

The picture book bins were well-designed with space underneath each display for an overflow of books. The librarians take care to rotate the books regularly. Note the plexiglass coverings for the letters on each bin. I was told that these were actually designed for sports card collectors and are called "Screwdowns". They can be obtained from collectible supply companies at a reasonable cost. I thought that this was a brilliant idea.

Finally, here's a look at the library's historic section. I particularly liked the inviting arrangement in front of the fireplace - how could anyone resist settling down with a newspaper for a quiet read? The chair arrangement is convivial but also gives each reader enough personal space.

Many thanks to Library Director, Sue MacMartin and Youth Services Librarian, Nancy Munno for a great tour!

Library spaces, big and small

2010-08-31T09:56:00.000-07:00

Public libraries, whether they are large or small, are the living rooms of the community. Grandparents read the newspaper, teens gather to finish a school project, young children curl up on a parent’s lap to read a favorite book. Libraries can be places in which the lonely might find solace in the company of others; they can also be an islands of peace and inspiration in the choppy seas of daily life.

In the years I spent in public library administration, my morning routine was to walk through the library and try to imagine myself coming through the doors for the first time. Did I feel welcomed? Did the displays invite me to pick up a book I might otherwise have missed? Was it easy to find help when I needed it?

My goal now is to take time to think more about the effect of library spaces on the people whom they serve. On this journey, I'm planning to take a tour of public libraries in rural New England, most notably in my own state of Vermont. My hope is that I can pass on some of the best ideas to inspire those hard-working librarians who may not have had a free moment in which to step back and think about some of their most pressing needs. I cannot design space - that is the role of the architect. But I can help librarians define the things that will help them create the library space they want and need for their customers.

I hope that you'll enjoy following me on my voyage through library space!