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.  

Reflections at the beginning of a new year

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.

Stowe Free Library in Stowe, Vermont

 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!

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.