Peterborough Town Library in Peterborough, New Hampshire

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

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

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

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

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.