Wide Open Spaces?

Conclusions

2009-12-07T18:57:00.000-08:00

Well, after visiting all the libraries in Cache County (the first time I have done so), I have learned a lot about the spaces, how they are used, and what a wonderful bunch of libraries we have!

The themes that emerged could have been guessed from the outset: most of the libraries are dealing with a lack of space for their collections and staff. The one exception to this is Hyrum which is has room to grow because the building is new. Another theme is that most of the staff I interviewed have an affinity for their buildings, regardless of their size. This was especially true for the older buildings and the older staff :)

It was fun to compare the design choices of the 'retrofitted' libraries- how they use the space provided even though they were not made for libraries. Retrofits often still look their former selves on the outside, but are altered on the inside.

Of course, all the libraries are more alike than they are different. They basically have the same types of items in their collections, all have to deal with maintanance and utilities, all have to find staff to fill the demands placed on them, and everyone I talked to seemed to enjoy what they do and where they do it.

It all goes to prove that a library can function in any place, but that there are definitely positives and negatives to aspects of every space.

Thanks to all staff for allowing me to talk to them and take photographs inside their buildings!

Design Style: Retrofitted, pt. 2

2009-12-01T17:49:00.000-08:00

RETROFITTED= these buildings were not originally constructed as libraries, but became such after renovation

Lewiston

[Year opened: early 1980s, Staff consulted: Chris]

Most favorite architectural aspect: space to move about

Least favorite architectural aspect: no good prospects for future expansion

My observations: This building, like all retrofits, has an interesting history. The library was once upstairs above the shops at street level. In the early 1980s, it was moved into the current space which had been a small grocery store. To me, its most unique architectural aspect is the 'hill' in one has to climb to get to the back of the building (that's my baby boy playing on the slope!).

Cache County

[Year opened: 1995, Staff consulted: Pat]

Most favorite architectural aspect: None

Least favorite architectural aspect: Lack of space

My observations: This building used to be a United States Post Office and has been converted nicely into a very small library. There is a plaque on the wall thanking Utah businessman Jon Huntsman and his wife for their contribution to get the library going. This library has had issues with a lack of parking since its opening.

Design Style: Retrofitted, pt. 1

2009-11-23T17:50:00.000-08:00

RETROFITTED = these buildings were not originally constructed as libraries, but became such after renovation

Newton
[Year opened: 1998, Staff consulted: Cleo]
Most favorite architectural aspect: the history of the building
Least favorite architectural aspect: lack of space

My observations: This library is located within the abandoned gymnasium of the old Newton Elementary School. City offices fill the rest of the building. The gym/library was/is small but is now filled with books and history. It reminds be of the portable book fairs set up at my children's elementary school. I feel like it could all be packed up and moved at a moment's notice if needed. Former Director Cleo is very enthusiastic about the library and what it represents to the citizens of Newton.

Mendon
[Year opened: 2005, Staff consulted: Carolyn, Kathleen]
Most favorite architectural aspect: the small, 'homey' atmosphere (great for children)
Least favorite architectural aspect: lack of space/storage

[Side note: As I stepped out of my car at the Mendon Library, I dropped my expensive digital camera and broke it. I resorted to using my cell phone camera to document the trip. Only later did I discover that the photo dimensions had been set so small. What a disaster! I hope you can still get a sense of the intimate charm of this library.]

My observations: This library is located in a very small rented house. It takes up all of the kitchen, bedroom and living room. Staff is composed entirely of volunteers, two of which were preparing call number spine labels when I arrived. The house itself is about 100 years old, but the volunteers are thankful to even have that space for a library. Story time is held across the street in another, larger building and then everyone migrates over to the library afterwards. Obviously the newest, smallest public library in the county.

Design Style: CARNEGIE

2009-11-16T16:53:00.000-08:00

CARNEGIE = these buildings were constructed as new libraries with money provided by Andrew Carnegie in the first quarter of the twentieth century

Richmond
[Year completed: 1914, Staff consulted: Juliene]
Most favorite architectural aspect: many windows
Least favorite architectural aspect: exterior and interior stairs which are difficult for elderly and disabled

My observations: This library (possibly the first functional library building in the area) is a beautiful old building which has aged gracefully and still looks nice inside. Because of the lack of space, the library has expanded into the basement. A picture of Carnegie still hangs in the upper west side of the interior (see picture above).

Smithfield
[Year completed: 1921, Staff consulted: Marilyn]
Most favorite architectural aspect: Comfortable, homey, donated paintings
Least favorite architectural aspect: lack of space
My observations: Like Richmond (only a few miles away), this library hearkens back to days gone by while incorporating new technologies. I was told it was built in a 'prairie style' and that the building is on the National Historic Register.

Design Style: NEW

2009-11-03T19:09:00.000-08:00

NEW = these buildings were recently constructed as libraries

North Logan

[Year completed: 1999, Staff consulted: Judi]

Most favorite architectural aspect: high ceilings, openness

Least favorite architectural aspect: lack of space (especially in adult fiction)

My observations: This library is a large facility with high vaulted ceilings and exposed wood beams. The reference and circulation areas are in the middle of the building with stacks and reading space all around. There is a small amphitheater-style area with puppets for children's story time.

Hyrum

[Year completed: 2007, Staff consulted: Ginny]
Most favorite architectural aspect: abundant natural light
Least favorite architectural aspect: state-of-the-art but hard-to-use electronic lighting system
My observations: This library is long and you enter in the middle to see the circulation/reference desk. On one end is the non-fiction section and some computers and a reading area. On the other end is the children's area and more stacks. This building also houses a museum, which I have never seen but I believe is in the basement. This library is perhaps the biggest anomaly- a multi-million dollar facility (arguably the nicest in the county) tucked away in a small town.