See the animation of the library design at You Tube click here.  or go to You Tube and search for Annabelle's library.

Did you know that there are more than 123,291 libraries in the United States? All of those were built using architectural skills. That includes finding land, brainstorming, sketching and building. Libraries present many challenges for architects to face. Architects must consider noise control, strategic placement of books to maximize space and planning for future needs. All these design features must be placed in a welcoming space.

Someday, I hope my library design will become a reality. Read on to discover more about my quest to design the perfect library.

To begin my research, I went to the experts, the librarians. They work in a library every day and know what features patrons want and use. I asked them the following questions in an e-mail survey:

Table 1 shows the most commonly mentioned features on the survey replies. It should be noted that signage is a term that refers to the signs in a space that direct people where to go. Other features mentioned less commonly include: one level floor plan, adequate parking, environmentally friendly design, flexible spaces and meeting space.

There were also some unique ideas offered. Many of the ideas centered on technology such as video conferencing rooms and a technological space for sharing ideas Some with children in mind suggested a separate computer lab for kids/teens, designated children’s reference desk and check out machine in the kids area. Others were for people to stop and have quiet time: garden areas and silent reading rooms. Yet other suggestions were more practical. These included office space for librarians and a landing area for people to look around, orient themselves and drop off materials before entering the library space. One person even mentioned a dog friendly library!

The survey results identified many design issues that I needed to research and solve. The biggest challenges were noise, lighting, using green building technology.

Noise was a big problem that all the librarians wanted to address. Some library patrons think that the library needs to be absolutely quiet while others believe that a little noise is okay. The librarians wanted parents to stop worrying that their kids were being to loud and let kids be kids. The library is a place where kids can learn to love books. Kids might view books negatively if parents are constantly scolding them to be quiet in the library.

I found some solutions to the noise problem. I put the Children’s Area, information desk, service desk, coffee shop and other noisy areas on the front of the first level. I placed the areas that require more quiet such as the adult section and silent reading areas on the back of the first level. I put functional areas that do not use books like the computer lab and meeting rooms on the second floor.

I put a wall on one side of the children’s area to further reduce the amount of sound coming out of the area. I used WoodTrends™ Systems acoustical panels on walls and ceilings in noisy areas to control sound. These panels are made of a special wood design that when sound hits them it is absorbed and doesn’t bounce back. They are rated as high as NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) of 0.90 which means that approximately 90% of the sound is absorbed.

Libraries need a lot of light for reading. The best source of light is natural light coming through windows or skylights. The problem is that when we use natural light the ultra-violet rays may damage the books. To solve this problem, I plan on using a glass with a special coating called Low-E. Low-E coating is a ultra thin layer of metal applied to glass. It is transparent to the eye, but it still blocks the harmful rays. Low –E coating is also energy efficient and reduces heating and cooling costs. It will also prevent fading of books and furniture.

I also used special light bulbs called LEDs. They offer a bright light and are highly energy efficient.

Modern buildings usually have a lot of green building technology, or environmentally friendly features. I chose a location for my library close to mass transit and provided ample bike racks to encourage patrons to get to the library using something other than their car. I used recycled building materials whenever possible. I included many trees in the landscape design to provide shade. I also put native plants in the courtyard garden to reduce water needed for their care. Windows were an important feature to let in natural light. LED light bulbs were used throughout the library because they are long lasting, do not cause heat buildup and can reduce electricity costs by 80%. A green roof, which is a roof with vegetation growing on it was not chosen. While it gives some energy savings, it did not fit in with the design of my library.

The final design included many of the features suggested in the survey as well as some ideas of my own.

Foyer This is like "mudroom" of the library. In this space you can stop and get organized for your visit. There will be benches, public restrooms, book drops, copy machines, a map of the library and a clear view of the information desk.

Book Carts Compact wheeled carts for the convenience of people who get a lot of materials at the library. There will be a storage area for them in the Landing Area and return corrals in the parking lot.

Café Tables and seating where patrons can purchase beverages and light snacks. Food and drink must be consumed in the café or foyer.

Information Desk The first thing you see when you enter the library. It is centrally located so the librarians can see all the areas from their desk. It also has different heights so that adults and children can be served either sitting or standing.

Check Out Machines There are 10 self serve check out kiosks near the entry/exit on the first floor. Several of these are express for patrons with less than 5 items.

Service Desk and Reserved Materials Area The Service Desk and Reserved Materials are located next to each other since their functions go together. They are located toward the front of the library so patrons can pick up items quickly without entering the main library.

Automated Check in Room Space that holds the machinery for checking in and sorting books for shelving.

Multiple Book Drops The book drops will be in several locations, all adjacent to Automated Check In Room. There will be a walk up book drop outside the main entrance for after hours access, several in the foyer and a drive through book drop.

Kids and Teen Computer Lab An area with some kid sized computers and regular workstations just for kids and teens.

Teen Area This area has shelving for teen material, tables for homework and displays for teen magazines and periodicals.

Noise Control A wall between the Children’s Area and the rest of the library will reduce noise.

Check Out Desk in Kids Area There is a separate book check out in the kids section so that patrons will not have to go to the front to check out. It will be shorter so that kids can check out books by themselves.

Information Desk in Children’s Area A separate information desk in the children’s area is a convenience so that kids don’t need to leave their area to ask for help.

Computers- 50 Workstations with Internet Access. There is wireless internet access throughout the library

Librarians Office Space A quiet space where librarians can do planning and desk work.

Video Conferencing Area An enclosed meeting room with video conferencing media.

Meeting Areas There are sound-proof meeting rooms of different sizes available for patron use.

2 Stairwells leading to the second floor – one in landing area and one inside library

Silent Reading Areas A space with comfortable seating for reading.

Information on WoodTrends™ acoustical panels

Libraries Designed for Users by Nolan Lushington

Planning for a New Generation of Public Library Buildings by Gerard McCabe