The Aurora Public Library Looks to Its Future

Aurora looks to future of libraries.  (Daily Herald, 12/19/2011)

Excerpt:   Audience members who participated in the roundtables listed a number of things they would like to see in the new Aurora Public Library. Among them were:

• an imagination/creative lab;

• genius bar;

• programs that reach out to all age groups;

• interconnection with school and university libraries;

• movable walls;

• physical data storage;

• soundproof performance room;

• community garden;

• roaming librarians (in the library and throughout the community);

• and SMART Boards all over.

One group said its members’ goal for a future Aurora Public Library is that it be the “guardian of the community memory.”

City of Madison to Rebid Central Library Project

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Related articles:
Madison Community Foundation awards $500,000 grant for new Madison Central Library.   (12/16/2011)
Retiring Guy takes a last look at the 1960s-era Madison Central Library.  (11/13/2011)
Madison Central Library prepares for move to temporary facility. (11/9/2011)
Madison Public Library misses cut on $4.5 million tax credit.  (9/14/2011)
Board to consider Plan B financing.  (9/1/2011)
Central library to relocate in November.  (7/27/2011)
Central library reconstruction project to proceed.  (4/29/2011)
Negotiations continue.  (4/27/2011)
Central library not a major issue with candidate or mayor Soglin. (4/19/2011)
Soglin wants to make sure ducks are in a row for Central Library Project.  (4/16/2011)
Latest design review.  (4/8/2011)
Midway Design presentation for Madison Central Library.  (2/25/2011)
Final design for renovated central library unveiled.  (12/8/2010)

Designing a new central library:  "Everyone has to feel comfortable and safe here".  (11/17/2010)

Interview with principal architect of Central Library project.  (11/5/2010)

Design development juggling acts for a renovated Madison Central Library. (10/15/2010)

Conceptual designs for new Central Library.  (10/25/2010)

One possible message:  Don't settle for less.  (8/5/2010)

Downsizing the Madison Central Library renovation project. (7/17/2010)

Possible temporary location has asbestos problem.  (6/18/2010)

Architectural firm selected for Madison Central project.  (5/26/2010)

State Journal editorial board sez Madison City Council made right decision on Central Library. (5/10/2010)

Council vote on library goes under the radar.  (5/8/2010)

And the beat goes on.  (4/14/2010)

Mayor Responds to Critics on Library Issue.  (4/13/2010)

Board Endorses Renovation Plan.  (4/6/2010)

Keeping the dream of a new Madison Central Library alive. (3/31/2010)

Some Council Members Not Ready to Move Forward on Mayor's Renovation Plan.  (3/30/2010)

Council President Pro Tem to Introduce Resolution Approving Madison Central Library Renovation Project.  (3/28/2010)

'Dissatisfaction' with Collapsed Madison Central Library Project. (3/25/2010)

Fiore Departure Seen as Beneficial to Madison Central Project.  (3/23/2010)

Matter of Principle" Dooms New Central Madison Library.  (3/20/2010)

Madison Central: The Dream Dies, It's Now Time to Renovate. (3/19/2010)

Dispute over Construction Costs Threatens to Derail New Central Madison Library. (3/17/2010)

Madison Public Library Project Faces Delay in 2011. (3/9/2010)

Construction, Cost Concerns May Delay Madison Central Library Project. (1/25/2010)

New Madison Central Library Wins Council Approval. (11/11/2009)Capital Times Endorses New Madison Central Library. (11/10/2009)

Madison Council Begins Review of Mayor's Budget on Tuesday. (11/6/2009)

More Questions About Madison Central Library Project. (11/1/2009)

New Madison Public Library's First Change Order: Rooftop Garden.
(10/28/2009)

Call for Referendum on New Madison Central Library Not Attracting Support. (10/21/2009)

Madison Board of Estimates Rejects Library Referendum. (10/13/2009)

Some Madison City Council Members Want Referendum on New Central Library. (10/9/2009)

Three former mayors support new Madison Central Library. (10/5/2010)

Wisconsin State Journal Editorial on New Madison Central Library. (9/13/2009)

New Madison Central Library: Let the Positioning Begin. (9/1/2009)

New Madison Central Library on Mayor Dave's Front Burner. (8/30/2009)

New Madison Central Library: Build or Renovate? (7/7/2009)

Motley Brown Not Reason Enough. (6/11/2009)

Fiore Plan Receives Unanimous Support. (6/5/2009)

Fiore Plan Gets Nod from Committee. (5/15/2009)

Public Forum Focuses on Central Library Options. (4/24/2009)

Developer Sweetens the Deal. (4/21/2009)

Visualizing a Remodeled Madison Central Library. (4/4/2009)

Renovation Plan Put on Table for Madison Central Library. (3/26/2009)

Residents Critique Proposals to Rebuild Downtown Library. (1/9/2009)

Competing Developers Defend Their Central Library Plans. (1/8/2009)

Comparison of Downtown Madison Library Proposals. (12/17/2008)

Two Proposals for New Madison Central Library. (12/3/2008)

Best Headline of the Week. (9/6/2008)

Ebooks, Netflix, and Library Building Projects (Part 130, Queens Library at Kew Garden Hills)

Photos of current facility

from library website

Kew Gardens Hills library set for $7 million facelift; project was ‘passion’ of late civic leader Patricia Dolan. (New York Daily News, 12/12/2011)

Excerpt: A plan to renovate the Kew Gardens Hills Library, a project civic leader Patricia Dolan made a priority before her death last month, was recently approved by city officials.

The $7.3 million expansion will add 3,000 square feet to the library and include separate areas for adults, teens and children.

Construction is expected to start late winter or early spring of next year.

As head of the Kew Gardens Hills Civic Association, Dolan had argued for years that the current facility was overcrowded and outdated.

She was struck and killed by a motorist while crossing Hillside Ave. on the way to a meeting last month.

“That library was one of her closest and dearest passions,” said Marc Haken, chair of Community Board 8’s Youth, Education and Library Committee.

One of Dolan’s earlier victories was convincing the Queens Library to rename the facility, located at 72-33 Vleigh Place, to reflect the neighborhood. It was previously known as the Vleigh Branch.

While Kew Gardens Hills is known for its large Orthodox Jewish community, the library draws customers from a number of different ethnic groups.

Ebooks, Netflix, and Library Building Projects (Part 129: Gwinnett County Public Library, Five Forks Branch)

Five Forks Library undergoes renovation. (The Weekly, 12/13/2011)

Excerpt: Upgrades planned for the 16-year-old Five Forks Branch Library in Lawrenceville will help control operating costs and improve efficiency. Commissioners approved the construction contract on Tuesday.

Needed improvements identified in 2007 include lighting, mechanical equipment, temperature control, sight lines, moisture/water infiltration, air quality and lowering overall energy use. The $1.06 million project also includes new carpet, paint and finishes throughout the 20,135 square-foot building. Classic Plains Construction, LLC, was the lowest of eight bids received for the work, which includes disposal of old building materials, fixtures and shelving. Project funding comes from the voter-approved SPLOST sales tax program.

“Our ultimate goal is to enrich the library experience with greater flexibility, customer comfort, ease of use, an expanded children’s area and better use of outside space. The new layout will enable more efficient workflow and building monitoring with an updated staff area that includes an automated materials handling system,” Capital Projects Director Ron Hovell said.

Arlington (Texas) Central Library Recommended Plan of Service and Facility Options for Consideration

 

View more presentations from arlingtontxlib

Ebooks, Netflix, and Library Building Projects (Part 127: Millis Public Library)

Progress on town’s ‘new living room’. (Boston Globe, 12/15/2011)

Excerpt: More than 10 years in the making, the new Millis Public Library is about to become a reality.

With construction slated to begin later this month on the $7.8 million project, the library’s board of trustees is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony Saturday morning at the site of the new building, a vacant lot at Exchange and Main streets.

State Representative David Linsky will speak, and representatives of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, the state agency that oversees and supports public libraries, will also be present.

“We have come a long way from people thinking libraries are just a warehouse for books,’’ said Beverly Temple, chairwoman of the Millis library board. The new library is being thought of as a community center, she said. “ ‘The town’s living room’ sort of became its tagline.’’

The current Millis Public Library, built on Auburn Road in the late 1960s, is filled to capacity. Books line the top shelves of nearly every stack. The young adult section is composed of two beanbag chairs squeezed behind the stacks in an upstairs loft. Five staffers share one small office. And children’s story time, held three times per week, takes place between another set of collection stacks.

The library’s single meeting room accommodates 15 to 20 people comfortably, which recently proved to be a challenge when 75 youngsters and their parents showed up for a talk by “Diary of a Wimpy Kid’’ author Jeff Kinney. A leaky roof left the room mold-filled and unusable for most of last winter.

Fullerton Public Library Wins APWA Award

Related post:
Ebooks, Netflix, and library building projects: Part 116, Fullerton Public Library. (10/31/2011)

Plan B for Viroqua Center/Public Library Project Unveiled

Viroqua Center second option unveiled to community. (Viroqua County Broadcaster, 12/15/2011)

Excerpt:  The second proposal, presented by Terry Martin of PSA Dewberry of Monroe, included complex design elements including a multi-angled grass roof and the use of two stories in three different sections of the development. The proposal calls for a new library to be built north of Western Technical College in Viroqua and an arts center to be built on the southeast side of the college. The college and all buildings would be joined together by shared space that would include an internet café and a reception lounge featuring a fireplace.

The Viroqua Center is a community center project spun out of the McIntosh Memorial Library's Library Task Force. The library is planning to construct a new facility and it has sought partners from the community. Through numerous meetings an idea has developed to joining the new library with Western and additional space for community arts.

Related posts:
A move to plan B for Viroqua Center/Library Project. (10/25/2011)
Site plan for new Viroqua Library as part of complex of 4 buildings. (9/2/2011)
Library applies for $750,000 Community Development block grant.  (8/25/2011)
Fingers crossed for grant for new library.  (6/26/2011)
Library project gets aid from city.  (6/7/2010)
New library moves into conceptual design phase.  (5/28/2001)
New library cost estimate:  $5.7 million.   (5/20/2010)
Library building project update.  (3/15/2010)
Viroqua's McIntosh Memorial Library Space Needs Study Update.  (1/16/2010) 
Viroqua's McIntosh Memorial Library Space Needs Task Force.  (12/28/2009)
Viroqua's long look at a new library facility.  (11/6/2009)

Ebooks, Netflix, and Library Building Projects (Part 126: Barrett Memorial Library, Williams Bay

Bay library remodeling on schedule. (Lake Geneva News, 11/2/2011)

Excerpt:   The remodeling, which started in August, is intended to allow the library building to be used to its full capacity.

Once the village's municipal building, which housed the police department, the library, the Village Board meeting room and staff offices, the library's upper floor has 2,500 square feet and the lower level about 1,500 square feet.

Not all of that was being used efficiently, Becker said.

The remodeling will allow the library to spread out a bit, as well, and add amenities, such as individual reading tables around the upstairs fireplace.

While most of the changes are to the interior, a handicapped-accessible elevator, with shaft and mechanical room outside the library is being built into the library's east wall near the south corner of the building.

That would be the only addition to the building's footprint, Becker said.

Advance elevator of Big Bend, Wis., is installing the elevator.

Outside of the new elevator, perhaps the biggest change would be the removal of a wall and door behind the circulation desk.

It is also the change that's most anticipated by the library staff, Becker said.

Removal of the wall will expose an architectural flourish of an ascending series of windows, which will flood the main floor of the library with sunlight.

Madison Community Foundation Awards $500,000 Grant for new Madison Central Library

Madison Community Foundation awards $1.2 million in grants. (Wisconsin State Journal, 12/15/2011)

Excerpt:  The Madison Public Library Foundation was the largest beneficiary of the over $1.2 million in grants awarded by the Madison Community Foundation on Thursday.

Madison Community Foundation announced nine grants totaling $1,233,144, including $500,000 for the new Central Library. The grant is the second largest capital campaign gift in the foundation's history, said Robin Reid, a spokeswoman for charity.

Related articles:
Retiring Guy takes a last look at the 1960s-era Madison Central Library.  (11/13/2011)
Madison Central Library prepares for move to temporary facility. (11/9/2011)
Madison Public Library misses cut on $4.5 million tax credit.  (9/14/2011)
Board to consider Plan B financing.  (9/1/2011)
Central library to relocate in November.  (7/27/2011)
Central library reconstruction project to proceed.  (4/29/2011)
Negotiations continue.  (4/27/2011)
Central library not a major issue with candidate or mayor Soglin. (4/19/2011)
Soglin wants to make sure ducks are in a row for Central Library Project.  (4/16/2011)
Latest design review.  (4/8/2011)
Midway Design presentation for Madison Central Library.  (2/25/2011)
Final design for renovated central library unveiled.  (12/8/2010)

Designing a new central library:  "Everyone has to feel comfortable and safe here".  (11/17/2010)

Interview with principal architect of Central Library project.  (11/5/2010)

Design development juggling acts for a renovated Madison Central Library. (10/15/2010)

Conceptual designs for new Central Library.  (10/25/2010)

One possible message:  Don't settle for less.  (8/5/2010)

Downsizing the Madison Central Library renovation project. (7/17/2010)

Possible temporary location has asbestos problem.  (6/18/2010)

Architectural firm selected for Madison Central project.  (5/26/2010)

State Journal editorial board sez Madison City Council made right decision on Central Library. (5/10/2010)

Council vote on library goes under the radar.  (5/8/2010)

And the beat goes on.  (4/14/2010)

Mayor Responds to Critics on Library Issue.  (4/13/2010)

Board Endorses Renovation Plan.  (4/6/2010)

Keeping the dream of a new Madison Central Library alive. (3/31/2010)

Some Council Members Not Ready to Move Forward on Mayor's Renovation Plan.  (3/30/2010)

Council President Pro Tem to Introduce Resolution Approving Madison Central Library Renovation Project.  (3/28/2010)

'Dissatisfaction' with Collapsed Madison Central Library Project. (3/25/2010)

Fiore Departure Seen as Beneficial to Madison Central Project.  (3/23/2010)

Matter of Principle" Dooms New Central Madison Library.  (3/20/2010)

Madison Central: The Dream Dies, It's Now Time to Renovate. (3/19/2010)

Dispute over Construction Costs Threatens to Derail New Central Madison Library. (3/17/2010)

Madison Public Library Project Faces Delay in 2011. (3/9/2010)

Construction, Cost Concerns May Delay Madison Central Library Project. (1/25/2010)

New Madison Central Library Wins Council Approval. (11/11/2009)Capital Times Endorses New Madison Central Library. (11/10/2009)

Madison Council Begins Review of Mayor's Budget on Tuesday. (11/6/2009)

More Questions About Madison Central Library Project. (11/1/2009)

New Madison Public Library's First Change Order: Rooftop Garden.
(10/28/2009)

Call for Referendum on New Madison Central Library Not Attracting Support. (10/21/2009)

Madison Board of Estimates Rejects Library Referendum. (10/13/2009)

Some Madison City Council Members Want Referendum on New Central Library. (10/9/2009)

Three former mayors support new Madison Central Library. (10/5/2010)

Wisconsin State Journal Editorial on New Madison Central Library. (9/13/2009)

New Madison Central Library: Let the Positioning Begin. (9/1/2009)

New Madison Central Library on Mayor Dave's Front Burner. (8/30/2009)

New Madison Central Library: Build or Renovate? (7/7/2009)

Motley Brown Not Reason Enough. (6/11/2009)

Fiore Plan Receives Unanimous Support. (6/5/2009)

Fiore Plan Gets Nod from Committee. (5/15/2009)

Public Forum Focuses on Central Library Options. (4/24/2009)

Developer Sweetens the Deal. (4/21/2009)

Visualizing a Remodeled Madison Central Library. (4/4/2009)

Renovation Plan Put on Table for Madison Central Library. (3/26/2009)

Residents Critique Proposals to Rebuild Downtown Library. (1/9/2009)

Competing Developers Defend Their Central Library Plans. (1/8/2009)

Comparison of Downtown Madison Library Proposals. (12/17/2008)

Two Proposals for New Madison Central Library. (12/3/2008)

Best Headline of the Week. (9/6/2008)

Ebooks, Netflix, and Library Building Programs (Part 125: Richland County Public Library, Eastover Branch)

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Ebooks, Netflix, and Library Building Projects: Part 124, A Short History of the Richard B. Harrison Community Library in Raleigh, North Carolina

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Reopening a library, remembering a legacy. (Raleigh News Observer, 11/12/2011)

Excerpt:  On Nov. 12, 1935 a library opened in the Delaney Building on Hargett Street in the heart of the black business district in Raleigh. The library was named for the A&T College drama instructor and Broadway actor Richard B. Harrison and was a one-woman operation, with Mollie Huston Lee as its only employee.

The library opened with a collection of 890 volumes, community pride and high hopes for the future. Service expanded and relocated to South Blount Street in 1948; this expansion enabled Mrs. Lee to build a separate and comprehensive Negro Collection of nearly 1,000 titles, which chronicled the experience of the community.

In August 1965, Richard B. Harrison Library merged with the Olivia Raney Public Library to create the foundation for Wake County Public Libraries. In December 1967, the library relocated to a new state-of-the-art building at 1313 New Bern Ave. with Mrs. Lee remaining at the helm. As a librarian and leader in the profession, Mrs. Lee had a lasting effect on library members, young and old alike, until her retirement in 1972, after 37 years of library service at Richard B. Harrison Community Library.

Dec. 17, 2011 will mark another milestone in the 76-year history of the Richard B. Harrison Public Library when the library reopens to the public after a seven-month renovation.

The NEW McAllen Public Library

Funding for Library Expansion Included in City of Portage 2012 Budget

Portage budget passes 4-3; money for library expansion included. Portage Daily Register, 12/8/2011)

Excerpt: The 2012 budget includes an overall $4.89 million tax levy, which is up about $51,000 over the 2011 budget.

That money will pay for increased labor costs that were previously negotiated.

The amount decreased from the levy was shifted to join unfunded items in the capital expenditures plan.

As part of that plan, the city committed to spend about $1.3 million next year for capital improvements, including funding for the library, a welcome center in Riverside Park and the continuation of the Canal restoration project.

The Council voted 5-2 to commit to funding those projects, with the source of funding to be determined before they commence. Common Council member Rick Dodd and Jeff Garetson voted against an amendment to commit the city to those expenditures.

Related posts:
Library moves forward with building expansion fundraising campaign.  (11/26/2011)
Decision delayed on request for library expansion funding.  (11/2/2011)
Council member on Portage Public Library expansion project funding: "We may just not want to it".  (10/28/2011)
Board president makes pitch to council for library expansion funding.  (10/15/2011)
Board to make case for building expansion to council.  (10/13/2011)
Library board to make case to council for building expansion.  (9/15/2011)
Library moves forward with building expansion.  (8/12/2011)
Board approves feasibility study for library expansion.  (7/1/2011)
Board reviews estimates for expansion project.  (6/22/2011)
Library expansion plans continue to develop.  (2/9/2011)
Library expansion to focus on youth services.  (10/15/2010)
Putting together the financial pieces for building expansion.  (5/12/2010)
Library seeks community input for expansion.  (1/13/2010)
Board discussion rental property options.  (11/11/2009)

Ebooks, Netflix, and Library Building Projects (Part 123, McAllen Public Library)

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Related post:
McAllen Texas to replace 60-year-old main library. (6/13/2010)

Ebooks, Netflix, and Library Building Projects (Part 122, North Hoffman Branch, Palatine Public Library District)

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Construction Update: Cedar Rapids Public Library

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Cedar Rapids Public Library enters next phase of construction project. (Cedar Rapids Gazette, 11/30/2011)

Excerpt: Before demolition can begin, everything that can be recycled from inside the former TrueNorth building will be removed from the site. Recycling and re-purposing materials earns the library project points towards the goal of platinum certification in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. This means everything from doors to toilets to electrical fixtures will be recycled, with the goal to keep 90 percent of the materiel from the former TrueNorth building out of the landfill.

Demolition is anticipated to begin after the first of the year.

The library will host a community celebration in March to mark the beginning of the next phase of construction.

Related posts:
Construction of new library starts December 5.  (10/14/2011)
Cedar Rapids PTA Council supports new library with penny drive. (9/19/2011)
Contracts sent out for bid.  (8/30/2011)
A "progressive and forward-looking design".  (1/11/2011)
FEMA sez it can't support site for new Cedar Rapids library. (9/16/2010)
New library construction will include old bricks.  (8/18/2010)
Library circulation plummets at temporary location.  (8/6/2010)
Library staff looking at the best design ideas. (5/6/2010)
For sale, old library, needs work.  (4/9/2010)
Site Selection Raises Ethics Concerns.  (2/9/2010)
Cedar Rapids Library Board to Recommend Site for New Library. (01/26/2010)
FEMA Reconsiders, Decides Library Provides an Essential Service. (12/24/2009)
Hide and Seek: Downtown Cedar Rapids Satellite Branch Library. (11/30/2009)
Early Days of Cedar Rapids Public Library. (11/20/2009)

Ebooks, Netflix, and Library Building Projects (Part 121: Granby Free Public Library)

Current facility

Granby voters OK funds for new public library at special Town Meeting. (Springfield Republican, 10/25/2011)

Excerpt: In a special Town Meeting on Monday night, voters approved the transfer of $861,304 from the town’s Municipal Building Stabilization Fund to help build a new Granby Free Public Library.

The decision was met with applause, whoops and cheers in the gymnasium of Granby High School, where the meeting was held. Approval of the motion was so overwhelming that the moderator did not need to ask for a count.

Afterwards, an official estimated that, out of the 262 people present, the dissenting votes were in the single digits.

Renderings of new library

West Springfield Public Library Trustees Promote New Library at Open House

Current facility

West Springfield Public Library open house highlights new project. (Springfield Republican, 11/23/2011)

Excerpt: The West Springfield Public Library trustees hosted an open house and walk-through of the library on Oct. 26.

The event provided an opportunity for interested residents of all ages to meet library trustees, tour the current facility, ask questions and discuss the proposed $13.4 million new library project.

The event also allowed residents to see the conditions and space issues the library currently faces as staff members work to provide services to the public, according to director Antonia Golinski-Foisy.

Ebooks, Netflix, and Library Building Projects (Part 120: Holyoke Public Library)

$14.5 million project to renovate Holyoke Public Library scheduled to begin in December. (Springfield Republican, 11/17/2011)

Excerpt:   Construction to renovate and add to the Holyoke Public Library will begin next month, Library Director Maria G. Pagan said Thursday at a ceremonial ground-breaking for the $14.5 million project.

Books, newspapers, cd's, dvd's and other resources and staff will move from the 335 Maple St. site to a temporary library set up in the City Hall auditorium at High and Dwight streets next month, officials said.

Construction by local contractors Fontaine Brothers Inc. will add 15,000 square feet to the existing 25,000 square feet, with the new facility set to open in 2013, officials said. The architect is Finegold Alexander & Associates, of Boston.

Related post:
Holyoke Public Library building project "is not a simple issue"..  (8/8/2010)