Joslin Memorial Library in Waitsfield, Vermont

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

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.

Rockland Public Library in Rockland, Maine

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.  

Brownell Library in Essex Junction, Vermont

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.