BuildingAndFacilities

Building & Facilities

The latest in buildings, furnishings, and equipment for libraries from Library Journal.

As summer winds down, Christian fiction publishers seek to continue the success they enjoyed with their summer blockbusters & The start of the fall publishing season will not disappoint fans of the genre. Whether they More...

Architectural Questionnaire for Public Libraries

Architectural Questionnaire for Public Libraries The December 2010 issue of Library Journal will include public library construction and renovation projects completed between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010. The deadline for completed forms is More...

Morristown, NJ, Library Recovering from Explosion, but Still Closed

Source of explosion still unidentifiedInsurance for collections, fundraising for repairsNewer portion will reopen in several weeksThe source of the severe explosion that damaged the Morristown & Morris Township Library, NJ, earlier this month (it is More...

Take Green Inside: Sustainable Operations Save Energy and Money, and Put the Library Out Front

Making a building agreen building is just the start of library leadership of sustainability, says Louise Schaper.The recently retired director of the Fayetteville Public Library, AR (LJ's Library of the Year 2005),instilled green practicesthroughout the More...

A Cutting-Edge Undertaking

Having received the largest grant in the history of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, $10.7 million, the Cambridge Public Library restored its 27,200 square foot landmark main building and expanded it with a striking More...

Storefront Solution

For three months last winter, people walking along Washington Street in Boston's dense Chinatown had one fewer vacant storefront glowering at them. In its place glowed a little library project, drawing people in from the More...

Librarians' Picks

Azle Memorial Library, TX Sturdy and attractive, the South Bay fixture is table-mounted for additional support. It comes with power outlets and data ports, making it "ideal for laptop users." Each lamp has its own More...

Embracing a Grand History

Located just north of Dayton, the city of Piqua is a rural community that dates to the early 19th century. The city has approximately 20,000 residents, along with a distinctive history that includes Presidential visits More...

LEED-er of the Pack

The Ritter Public Library in Vermilion, OH, didn't start out aiming to be the greenest library in the state, but, this summer, it's new addition will achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold More...

Small Footprint with Big Impact

When the Village of Mount Prospect, IL, a Chicago suburb (pop. 53,600), commissioned a study by the Chicago Community Trust to evaluate its social services, it found that significant immigrant communities were underserved. It also More...

Vendors' Exhibits Trend Green

Convention-goers have seen the greening of library shows-think online-only preconference guides, totes constructed of recycled materials, fewer water bottles. Now they can start to expect the same sustainability savvy from some of their library vendors More...

Grand Reopening for Louisville Main Library

New children's wing and teen centerNot just systems restored but surroundingsDirector named Librarian of the Year earlier in 2010After suffering major flood damage last August, the Main Library of the Louisville Free Public Library (LFPL) More...

Libraries Challenged to Prove Their Value

Bookmobile redefined?Importance of reaching patronsExpedient vs. authoritative access to contentUpNext is a wiki hosted by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) that invites discussion about the future of libraries and museums. It consists More...

Flooding in Tennessee Limits Library Service

Libraries in Nashville have reopenedCounty libraries remain open amid surrounding damageClarksville library serves as Red Cross Center Severe flooding in Nashville and its environs has affected libraries and those they serve. In spite of the More...

Updated: Library in New Jersey Closed for Lead Paint Cleanup

Complaint in MarchAsbestos may be a concernStanford White building needs renovationThe Orange Public Library, NJ, has been closed since May 1 on orders of the town health department because the library has failed to deal More...

San Diego Takes Key Step Toward New Central Library

City Council approves charter school within central libraryMayor releases updated central library cost estimatesCouncil to move forward in authorizing central libraryThe long-planned central library in downtown San Diego is one step closer to reality as More...

Fort Worth Library Plan for Decade Involves Two Closures, ThenGrowth

Short-term savingsStudy aims at close analysis of local marketNo current libraries merit "regional" statusSelf-service a keyAiming to develop flexible facilities, extend library services, maximize customer convenience, foster partnerships, 'recognize today's economic realities,'; and more, the More...

PLA 2010 Conference: The Anythink Revolution Is Ripe

Dropping Dewey for WordThinkNew job titles, new buildingsA new brand and new enthusiasmIf any session yesterday illustrated the palpable hunger public librarians have for change-and, perhaps, a silver bullet to ensure their future-it was the More...

Reversal in Madison: Plan for New Central Library Dropped

Library was to cost $37 million$2.1 million gap in assessment of valueRenovation could cost $27 millionLast November, LJ reported thatthe city of Madison, WI, was moving ahead on a $37 million new Central Library for More...

CT Libraries Offer Extended Services After Power Outages

Libraries serve as community hub during power outagesThey operate as information clearinghousePublic, media show their appreciationRecent severe rainstorms in the Northeast serve as a reminder as to how public libraries step up when their communities More...

Voters Step Up: Library Referenda 2009

Despite the grim economic circumstances in 2009, voters delivered an overwhelming vote of confidence to their local libraries. In fact, 84 percent of all operating referenda passed nationwide.Just a few of the successes: in Michigan, More...

St. Louis Gets $4 Million Gift Toward Central Library Renovation

Library to close later this year, reopen in 2012Materials will go into storageOffices to move nearbyThe St. Louis-based engineering and technology company Emersonhas pledged $4 million toward the renovation of the St. Louis Public Library's More...

Denver Central Library Renovation Disrupted by Bankrupt Vendor

A new situation for DPL$1.5 million projectPlans to either rebid or assign new vendorDenver Public Library's (DPL) plans for renovating its central library have been delayed, as the contractor responsible for the project has been More...

ALA Establishes Library Relief Fund for Haiti

Resolution passed by CouncilOthers in library community have already begun fundraisingNo books needed at this timeAfter the American Library Association (ALA) Council during the Midwinter Meeting adopted a resolution on the rebuilding of damaged or More...

In Reversal, FEMA Agrees To Fund Interim Library Service in Cedar Rapids

Lobbying from legislators helped win appealCurrent law does not recognize library role in disaster recovery$379,127 will go to rent, furniture, and construction costsIn a major reversal that acknowledges the key role libraries play after disasters, More...

New Colorado Library Second To Gain LEED Platinum

Library built in shopping centerCity committed to green building strategiesSavings on energy, water, wasteThe Council Tree Library of the Poudre River Public Library District (Fort Collins, CO) has been awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and More...

In CO, the Country's First Carbon-Positive Library (with Some Help from Carbon Credits)

Matching grant for solar energyContractor pays for carbon creditsAim to make all branches carbon-neutralA new branch of the Rangeview Library District, CO, Anythink Brighton (the library's brand is Anythink), has become the first carbon-positive library More...

LJ Cover Library Not Immune to Budget Woes

Library project on cover of LJ's December architecture issueMaterials budget down 71% since 2006Budget pressures caused by costs library can't controlAs is not uncommon in the library world, money for new construction is not necessarily More...

King County Library System Opens Unstaffed "Express" Branch

Residents preferred walking to drivingCameras maintain security without staffOther libraries offer different "Express" branchesSo, how to expand library service on a tight budget? Some libraries have tried vending machines (such as the Go Library/Library-a-Go-Go) or More...

Madison, WI, Council Approves $37 Million Central Library

10,000 square feet larger but much more public space45-year-old Central needs full revampNew library could open in 2012While many libraries are cutting back on their operating budgets, the city of Madison, WI, is moving ahead More...

Construction Plans for San Diego Central Library Finally Move Forward

State threatens to pull $20 million contributionNew building would represent enormous increase in space, facilities"Taxpayer watchdog" councilor against expenditurePlans for a long-awaited new central library in San Diego just got a boost after years of More...

Cedar Rapids Public Library Will Build Downtown Facility at New Site

Library flooded in mid-2008Downtown sites identifiedAt least $9 million more needed It's been unclear for months whether the downtown Cedar Rapids Public Library (CRPL), devastated by flooding in June 2008, would be reconstructed at the More...

Newnan, GA, Reopens Carnegie Library

Early literacy, adult education a priorityNot a full-service libraryDesignated city sales tax helps fund effort[Note corrections as of 11/2/09] The Newnan Carnegie Library (NCL), GA, is unique in several ways. The building recently returned to More...

Louisville Main Library Reopens Earlier Than Expected

Flood after torrential rain August 4New safety planOnly first floor of building is openWhile officials at the Louisville Free Public Library (LFPL) said earlier this month that the flood-damaged Main Library might not open until More...

LJ Talks Flood Response with Louisville Library Director Craig Buthod

$5 million in damageMain Library closed through Labor DayAfter partial reopening, remediation to take rest of yearA flash flood in Louisville, KY, that began at 8:15 a.m. Tuesday wreaked special havoc on the Main Library More...

NYPL Donnell Replacement Delayed 24 Months as Hotel Company Adds $9M to Deposit

Hotel company has invested $25 million of $59 million pledgedTwo-year delay in closing dealOrient-Express says liabilities reduced if project diesIn July, the New York Public Library (NYPL) announced that the stalled sale of its Donnell More...

Updated: Louisville Libraries Hit By Flooding; Main Library Closed Indefinitely

50,000 items lostOne of two closed branches has reopenedMain Library reopening unclear; major building damage[Updated August 6, 5:40 pm] An "incredible downpour" on Tuesday in Louisville, KY, brought seven inches of rain in 75 minutes, More...

Cedar Rapids Public Library, IA,Opens Downtown Satellite Branch

Small satellite facilityService shifted from downtown after floodMajor effort willreplace main library laterThe Cedar Rapids Public Library (CRPL), IA, whose main downtown library was devastated by flooding in June 2008, today opens a Downtown Branch More...

LJ Design Institute Held at Arlington Public Central Library

Libraries ultimate green machineGreen design possible with tight budgetsBuilding new/renovating costs almost equalLJ's latest Design Institute drew some 90 librarians, architects, vendors, and board members to the spacious, light-filled Arlington Public Central Library, VA, for More...

Toronto Public Library in Major Campaign To Revitalize Reference Library

$3M gift will support event space$24M pledged by governmentMajor changes planned for buildingWith a $3 million CAD ($2.6M USD) lead gift, the Toronto Public Library Foundation has launched re:vitalize – Toronto Reference Library Campaign, aiming More...

Cedar Rapids Public Library Gets $5M From State for New Building

Money can't be used for interim facilityGovernor calls it 'FEMA-plus';'Wonderful news,'; says interim directorThe Cedar Rapids Public Library (CRPL), IA, will get $5 million for a new facility from Iowa Gov, Chet Culver's $830 million More...

As Temporary Branch Debuts in Midtown Manhattan, Residents Protest Loss of Donnell Library

Smaller library no substituteNew Teen CentralBig questions over library funding in generalTypically, when libraries generate protestors it's because a building is about to be closed. Yesterday, however, when the New York Public Library (NYPL) debuted More...

Indianapolis Library Loses Lawsuit over Central Library Cost Overruns

Sought $49 million totalEngineering firm awarded unpaid feesLibrary previously got $25M out of $50M cost overrunThe Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library (IMCPL), dealing with the financial fallout of faulty construction of its central library addition (coverage) More...

Fayetteville PL: Green and local with Solar power

Though the solar energy that will sustain the Fayetteville Public Library, AR, in 2010 comes from 93 million miles away, the solar panels themselves come from just down the road. As reported in the Northwest More...

Fayetteville Public Library Going Green and Local with Solar Power

48 solar panels to be installed on library roofEducational kiosk will track energy savingsProject funded by $60,000 ICMA grantThough the solar energy that will sustain the Fayetteville Public Library, AR, in 2010 comes from 93 More...

Library Referenda 2008: Libraries Build the Case for Voter Support

Could there be a worse time to ask voters for money to support libraries? America in 2008 was distinguished by a rapidly downward-spiraling economy, a controversial war, and a President with the lowest approval rating More...

Hotel Company Backs Out of Planfor NYPL's Donnell Library Site

Library, hotel company tight-lippedTranscript indicates company may forego depositDeal was made when real-estate market was hotInNovember 2007, when the real estate market was hot, the New York Public Library (NYPL)agreed to sell the land and More...

Las Vegas Art Museum, in Busiest Library,To Close

Art museum rents space from libraryLocation far from downtownHow may future space be used?The Las Vegas Art Museum, which operates in about one-sixth of the space of the busiest library in the Las Vegas–Clark County More...

Indiana University Bloomington Chooses Library Architect as First Sustainability Director

Bill Brown has written major articles for LJAims to build broad campuswide programDesigned state's first net-zero energy public libraryGo back to the Academic Newswire for more storiesAn architect nationally known for his design of sustainable More...

Louisville Reduces Master Plan to $100 Million

Voters nixed a much larger planProject would involve three new regional librariesDirector targets federal fundsAfter voters nixed a $200 million plan in November 2007, the Louisville Free Public Library, KY, has adopted a revised, scaled-down More...

NYPL Reverses Course on Mid-Manhattan LibrarySale

Sale was to fuel system renovationsReal estate market in slump"Attractive terms" not available for nowThe New York Public Library's (NYPL) ambitious renovation plans have been snagged by the crash in the city's real estate market. More...

New Library Opens in Darien, CT; First LEED Gold Library Building in Region

LEED Gold building is twice the size but uses the same amount of energyService model reimagined to emphasize user experienceRFID and other technology integrated throughoutThe much-anticipated new Darien Library, CT, opened to some 7200 patrons More...

San Diego New Main Library Plan May Gain Boost from School

School would bring crucial $20 millionState librarian positiveSchool board to discuss issue January 13LJ recentlyreported that the San Diego Public Library's much-ballyhooed effort to build a new $185 million central library is likely to die, More...

LJ's Green Design InstituteStrikesa Chord in Connecticut

Green-themed presentations, panels, displaysArchitect-led breakout sessionsCo-hosted by Connecticut State Library and Connecticut Library ConsortiumHard times or not, concerns aboutreducing the energy and space footprint of library buildingsand makingthem sustainableremain central to libraries. Under the auspices More...

Library Buildings 2008: Keeping the ''ECO'' in Economy

The latest calamities to befall our economy aren't reflected in the 2008 compilation of building projects. These 183 public libraries and 30 academic facilities, completed between July 1, 2007, and June 30, 2008, squeaked through More...

Atlanta-Fulton Approves PL Bond

Library budgets may be suffering, but voters around the country offered supportive if mixed votes in favor of library levies last month. Despite a newspaper editorial urging a 'no'; vote (see News, LJ 11/1/08, p. More...

Blatant Berry: The Lessons from Germany

It is a truism that every time you speak in public you learn more than you teach. The event that proved that once again was the 8th Frankfurt Scientific Symposium on '21st Century Libraries: Changing More...

With Last Three Modular Libraries in Place, Gulf Coast Libraries Project (and New Orleans PL) Up to Speed

GCLP has established 21 librariesProject extended to 2010Foundationsfor trailers caused delaysThe Gulf Coast Libraries Project (GCLP), funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has finally opened the last of the 21 temporary libraries aimed More...

Ann Arbor Board PutsNew Downtown Libraryon Hold

New library approved in SeptemberCurrent building had been renovated twiceNo market for $71M in bonds as of nowOn September 15, the board of the Ann Arbor District Library, MI, approved the construction of a $71 More...

Galveston Library Asks Residents for Memories of Hurricane Ike

September hurricane devastated critical building systemsOutreach services have resumedEffort to create local archive of residents' memoriesThe Rosenberg Library in Galveston, TX, which survived Hurricane Ike in mid-September with significant damage to its first floor (LJ More...

NYPL Picks Norman Foster

The New York Public Library (NYPL) has picked British architect Norman Foster, known for his firm's work on the world's largest airport terminal in Beijing and the Great Court at London's British Museum, to transform More...

In Iowa, from Carnegie to LEED

The first public library in Iowa to seek Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is nearing completion in Marshalltown, a county seat of 26,000 people More...

Atlanta-Fulton Voters Approve Library Bond Issue, Including New Central Library

65 percent voteEight new libraries, two expanded, 23 renovated$85 million toward new Central LibraryDespite a newspaper editorial urging a "no" vote, 65 percent of voters in Atlanta–Fulton County yesterday approved a $275 million bond referendum More...

Publisher Donates $20M for Norfolk Main Library

$20 million gift for $50 million projectCurrent main library already scheduled to closeWithout gift, project might have taken a decadeThe retired publisher of the local Virginian-Pilot newspaper in Norfolk has committed $20 million to help More...

DCPL Picks 'Idea Stores'; Starchitect To Help Design Two Branches

Team chosen with neighborhood inputTwo branches fully funded, will take three yearsWill they look like 'Idea Stores';?The District of Columbia Public Library, which has faced local criticism for its delayed effort to replace several aging More...

San Francisco's Green Branches

Three hours, three libraries, a million ideas. That's what the lightning-quick but information-packed tour of three San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) green projects yielded for the 20-some lucky Design Institute participants who made it to More...

Library Director Search Revised in East Baton Rouge

Only seven librarians apply, all from out of state; four to be interviewedNew rules would make it easier for current staffers to seek jobPlans for main library revisedOnly seven librarians, all from out of state, More...

At Session on the Future of Libraries, a Sense of Urgency

The 'ideas business';'Nancy Pearl on steroids';Social discovery services can helpIt was billed as just a beginning of a look at the future of libraries, but panelists at an American Library Association (ALA) annual conference session More...

Library in Findlay, OH Hit By Flood, Storm

May 31 storm damaged back of branchFlood last August 22 harmed main libraryNeighboring library offers helpIt's been a rough year for the two-building Findlay-Hancock County Public Library, OH. After a severe storm on May 31, More...

Site Once Aimed-for a DC Central Library Will Be a Hotel and Retail

Former mayor sought convention center site for hotelMartin Luther King, Jr., library needs renovationCould the old Carnegie Library be a solution?Plans for a new central library for the District of Columbia Public Library (DCPL) have More...

Atlanta-Fulton Library's $150M Upgrade Plan Approved

Eight new librariesSixbranches would closeWill there be a bond referendum?The Fulton County, GA, Board of Commissioners voted March 19 to approve the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System's plan to upgrade the county's library services by building, More...

BackTalk: Go Green!

Libraries, with their collective mission of sharing books and other materials for use by communities of users, are the quintessential green organization. But we can implement additional 'green'; strategies and do even more good for More...

Kanawha County PL, WV, Gets $1 Million

The Maier Foundation and Verizon West Virginia have each donated $500,000 to the Kanawha County Public Library, Charleston, WV, for a planned new downtown library and six replacement, expanded, or renovated libraries elsewhere in the More...

NYPL Union Protests Back-office Move to Central Facility

• Tech services consolidated to one location • It's in Queens; staff dismayed • Questions about future of buildings Tensions between the New York Public Library's union and management have flared up over the library's More...

Bye-Bye, B&N, Illinois Library Will Move into a Former Bookstore

• Better location • Most fixtures donated by B&N • Lots of new program space, plus café A northern Illinois library will move into a space vacated by Barnes & Noble-and it's planning to keep More...

NYPL's Donnell Library Site To Become New Hotel, with Smaller Library

In the first example of an apparent new strategy to make the most use of valuable land housing outmoded library facilities (as hinted in LJ's recent coverage), the New York Public Library (NYPL) has agreed More...

Submit your project for inclusion in LJ's Architectural Issue

LJ Architectural Issue Help Needed!Earlier this summer, LJ mailed questionnaires for its annual Architectural Issue to libraries with building projects completed between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007, which included links to an online More...

A Library Branch in Texas Is Named for First Lady Laura Bush

On Tuesday, First Lady Laura Bush, a librarian and advocate for reading, was honored at the Westbank Community Library in Austin, which will build a branch in her name: the Laura Bush Community Library. In More...

DC's Martin Luther King Library Designated Historic Landmark

The District of Columbia's Historic Preservation Review Board on June 28-just after the conclusion of the American Library Association Annual Conference-voted to designate the city's flagship Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Memorial Library building a More...

A DC Public Library Carnegie Branch Gets a Makeover

The Southeast Branch of the District of Columbia Public Library (DCPL) reopened Sunday with a neighborhood celebration,thanks to a makeover coordinated by Library Journal, with pro bono services from architect Henry Myerberg in collaboration with More...

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