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Librarians’ Picks | Library by Design, Fall 2015

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Recently completed building projects offer refreshing and unexpected design solutions to serve patrons

ljx150902webLBDpicksAnythink1

Further explorations

When Colorado’s Anythink Brighton customers step outside to the newly unveiled Explore Outdoors nature classroom, they pass through a one-of-a-kind wooden entryway crafted by Anythink guide Janet Hollingsworth and her design partner Robby Holb. The piece features a playful spiral shape that allows for a unique view of the grounds. Hollingsworth has a background in architecture and design and has been making fine custom furniture with Holb for five years. Janet Hollingsworth, janethollingsworth.com

ljx150902weblbdPickslivingstones2The “bed-rock” of a comfy library

Rocks have never been more comfortable to recline on than these Stones Pillows. The pillows are incorporated into the nature-based themes of the children’s area in the St. Paul Public Library’s renovated Sun Ray Library, now larger and brighter and featuring more meeting and reading space, additional computers, faster Wi-Fi, and interactive art and design. Pebble Pillows, pebble-pillows.com/product/mix-color-living-stones-pillows

ljx150902webLBDPicksJumble

The joint is jumbling

The Rinconada Library, Palo Alto, CA, was looking to create a family place where parents/guardians and children could sit together to read. It found the answer in the Keilhauer Jumble, which provides a reconfigurable soft seating element in a variety of heights and lengths—allowing patrons to gather in different ways and in different family units. The variety of fabrics presents a fun and playful feel that contributes to the design’s overall success. Project designed by Group 4 Architecture. Keilhauer—Jumble, www.keilhauer.com/products/jumble.html

ljx150902webLBDpickFreeport1

Ask away

The Freeport Memorial Library, NY, completed its 20,000 square foot west wing renovation in mid-April 2014. The two-year effort in the two-story area cost $1.3 million and includes major technology enhancements. The four-phase plan provided a teen resource activity center, a reference desk (signage designed by Janice Davis Design), a computer and language center, a senior lounge area, a café, and a business center. Janice Davis Design, www.janicedavisdesign.com/Welcome.html

Under the sea with me

Kids who visit the Manhattan Beach Library, CA, get to experience “The Sea & Me” children’s interactive exhibit—the first of its kind in the County of Los Angeles’s 86-member network. Located within the children’s area and Family Place on the library’s first floor, the interactive display teaches youngsters about life in the ocean, exploration of the sea, and the marine ecosystem along the coastline.A northern-facing periscope offers youngsters a view of the pocket park and plaza on the library’s eastern side. The exhibit was designed and constructed by Cinnabar, with critical input from design team library staff members Beth Wilson, Deborah Anderson, Brian Sternberg, and Daniel Delgado. Cinnabar, cinnabar.com

ljx150902webLBDPicksTurnstone

Bigger can be bigger

As libraries look to serve an ever-widening variety of users and uses, the Turnstone Campfire collection steps up to the challenge, as evidenced by the remodeled Scotts Valley Library, CA, designed by Group 4 Architecture. Pieces such as the Big Table, Big Lounge, Big Lamp, Personal Table, Foot Rest, and Screen enable users to create a variety of seating areas for individual or collaborative work in either table style or for lounging. The screens offer privacy; the lamp gives a sense of scale and intimacy that will draw patrons in and keep them coming back. Turnstone, myturnstone.com/campfire

ljx150902weblbdPicksLulzBotPrinter

The fine print-er

The Loveland Public Library, CO, developed a content creation lab called iCreate during its renovation, which finished up in 2012. With grants and community support, the library purchased its first 3-D printer, the LulzBot TAZ 5 3D Printer, from local firm Aleph Objects, Inc. Since its installation, the LulzBot has become a draw for serious inventors and entrepreneurs as well as the general public, fascinated by the small objects that can be fabricated. The library staff designed a bookmark as a gift for donors and special visitors. Because it is local and appreciative of the facility, Aleph Objects donated a LulzBot Mini, which customers are able to use on their own. Aleph Objects, Inc., www.lulzbot.com

ljx150902webLBDPicksBug

Uniqueness and value

To address the need for unique display shelving solutions integrated into the primary structure and interior environment, Denver Public Library chose the Supple Collection to meet the needs of its new Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Branch, designed by studiotrope Design Collective and chosen a 2015 New Landmark Library Honorable Mention (see p. 17). The Beehive is nestled into the structural cross-bracing of the facility to display materials both inside and outside the library. Jelly Drops and Bugs display popular materials on sustainable, movable, durable, and flexible units, while the Armadillo provides a highly visible, height-adjustable service point. Supple Collection, www.supplecollection.com

ljx150902webLBDpickAirtouch1

Reaching (lowering) for the heights

The Athens-Limestone Public Library, AL, felt strongly that members of the public needed locations where they knew they could connect with a staff member, according to Director Paula S.W. Laurita. They rethought the traditional reference desk with two standing Steelcase Airtouch Adjustable Height Desks. Staffers who measure 6’4” or 5’ can use the desk equally well and are more approachable as they are standing and ready to assist. The desk makes it easy to refer to the computer screen at the patron’s height. Steelcase, www.steelcase.com/products/tables/airtouch

Contributors

Ken Bellafiore, Freeport Memorial Library, NY
Joanna Brookes, Public Services Director, St. Paul Public Library
Andrea Marie Gifford, Senior Associate, Group 4 Architecture, Research + Planning, Inc.
Erica Grossman, Creative Lead, Anythink Libraries, CO
Paula S.W. Laurita, Director, Athens-Limestone Public Library, AL
Marcia Lewis, Library Director, Loveland Public Library, CO
Roxane Marquez, Special Assistant, County of Los Angeles Public Library, Downey, CA
Joseph Montalbano, studiotrope Design Collective for the Denver Public Library


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