The Globus Design Associates Blog

Libraries in the Digital and Sustainable Age

Photo: Suzan Globus

I was asked to design a special area to attract young adults in a public library by library board members who lamented, "Kids don't read books anymore," while wondering what effect this assumption will have on public libraries in the future.  Coincidentally, one of my Design for Sustainability students submitted a paper on the effects of e-readers on libraries and I was interested to read his view regarding the need for libraries.

Typical of many library users, he said that the library was the coolest place he had ever visited as a child because it was, "crammed with anything and everything you wanted to know about."  To him, the fact that Amazon made library e-books available on Kindle was a signal of the need for libraries in the digital age.  He also felt that the continual use of the millions of library buildings around the world allows for optimization of our built environment in relationship to sustainability.  Contrary to the opinion of the my library board clients, this college student stated that he is partial of physical books and will continue to use the library for that purpose only.  Libraries have a wonderful opportunity to build on that sense of discovery that engages people of all ages by offering "anything and everything" people want to know about in both physical and digital formats in an environment that is designed to both stimulate them and support them in their quest.

Public Libraries Provide Storm Shelter

Hurricane Irene disrupted daily life for residents of the eastern US this week causing many to turn to their public libraries for support.

Photo: Suzan Globus Raritan River, New Brunswick, NJ.

Public librarians across NJ documented visitors more than doubling as residents flocked to their libraries to charge cell phones, seek information, use the internet and talk to their neighbors.  Strained wi-fi networks and seating capacities accomodated the crowds while library staff directed people to the resources and comfort they needed.

Photo: Suzan Globus People staring at the surging Delaware River, Stroudsburg, PA.

One library, designated as a shelter,  provided cots and water to those evacuated from their homes.  Others reported their staff volunteering to make snacks and drinks available to those seeking refuge from the storm. Another reported setting up a temporary business center for those unable to work from home.

As one librarian wrote, "We hope our library made a difference to many people in our community who did not have power and needed to use the library's computers to communicate with their families or businesses or needed to access reference resources and information or just a good book or library program for their family during this difficult time."

The storm underlined the value that public libraries provide to their communities, especially in times of need.

Back Roads Reveal Historic Preservation, Restoration and Adaptive Reuse

Serendipity is one of the best rewards of travel. On a recent trip through the Blue Ridge Mountains, I  encountered examples of historic preservation, renovation and adaptive reuse where people understand the "reuse" part of sustainability. A double rainbow announced what lay ahead.
Photo: Suzan Globus

Photo: Suzan Globus

The public library in Shepherdstown, W.V. is tucked into the former circa 1800 headquarters for the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Photo: Suzan Globus

The library is centrally located in the center of Shepherdstown's commercial hub, West German Street, a restored historic district.

Further south in New Market, VA., I happened upon a retired fireman, who is a descendant of Dr. Soloman Henkel, engaged in lovingly restoring his relative's former home.

 
Photo: Suzan Globus

According to this plaque on the home's exterior, I was given a much more gracious reception than the Yankee soldiers who came to town.

Photo: Suzan Globus

In what was the front parlor of the original home, thin sheet rock which allows for a reveal around the fluted door casing is being considered in lieu of repairing the plaster walls.

Photo: Suzan Globus

The stylized dentil frieze and angular corner blocks on the door casing echo the trompe l'oeil panels in the newer front parlor and are of a grand scale compared to the more modest bullseye corner blocks and trim surrounding the original six panel interior door above.

Photo: Suzan Globus

The cracked painted plaster ceiling presents some restoration challenges.

Images of the original interior design are guiding the renovation.

Photo: Suzan Globus

The next project for the fireman/renovator is Dr. Henkel's pharmacy behind the house.

 

Teens use Library in New Ways

To hear some of our public library clients tell it, part of the headline above, "Teens Use Library" might be newsworthy.  In towns where the library is not located within walking distance of the schools, some public libraries use programs such as gaming to attract teen users.

River Edge Public Library employed a creative tactic to engage teens to become more familiar with and take pride in their local library by enrolling them to assist in moving part of the book collection. The move was precipitated by the redesign of the library interiors.

As demonstrated by these photos on the library's page, the volunteers are enjoying themselves. The teens are engaged and the library is saving money by using volunteer labor. Great idea and execution by Daragh O'Connor, Director. It will be interesting to see if The teens will increase their use of the library after investing their time to improve it for their community.

Climate Change Reminder of Interior Designer's Role

Photo: Suzan Globus

An angry sun was trying to get its last licks in on a sweltering day during my 7:30 pm ferry commute from NYC yesterday. The excessive heat reminds me of the responsibility I have as an interior designer to reduce my clients' impact on climate change by weaving sustainability throughout each project.

So thanks, Builder's Exchange Magazine for the good bytes on the Rock Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Library and Archives  that we designed and is being submitted for LEED-CI.

 

Library Furniture Surprises from NeoCon

The encouraging news in the library furniture world is that the go-to workhorse furniture lines known for manufacturing cost conscious solutions are investing in good design.  They understand or are willing to bet that:

1. Good design sells.

2. Good design doesn't have to be more expensive.

 

Here is a sampling of my list of old standards with noteworthy new additions to their product lines:

Global - Ballara, Lounge seating

Hon - Voi, Desks

KI - Learn 2,  Classroom seating

Jofco - Collective space, systems furniture

Tips to reduce paper in the office

We pulled the plug on the fax machine years ago.  We found we were buying and using paper to receive unsolicited menus, mostly. We operate a "paperless" office but are always looking for ways to increase sustainable practices. Reducing the amount of paper in the workplace benefits all businesses, not just libraries.  Here are a couple of quick tips:

Photo: Suzan Globus

1. If your in-box looks like this stack which represents a fraction of the deluge of catalogues and junk mail we used to receive, my favorite way to make it stop is to register at Catalogue Choice.  The free registration lets you select the unsolicited mail you don't want to receive.  Let the sender do the recycling.

Photo: Suzan Globus

2. Accidentally printing on a check left in the printer is only one small reason to bank on line.  When you consider the resources needed to purchase and store checks and receipts and print and mail them, it's difficult to justify paper checks.

Library Display Finds from NeoCon '11

I'll admit it.  I'm not a fan of using slat wall display on end panels in libraries due to its oversubsciption and under whelming design.  If the slat wall pieces are not filled, it adds a strong horizontal linear design element that is rarely incorporated into the overall design of the space.  If the slat wall is finished in a strong color, it can stop the eye instead of the materials displayed on it.  I am always on the prowl for different ways to display library materials. The products displayed at NeoCon yielded a couple of options:

This large format, children's book, two sided, mobile trolley by Jonti Craft provides display at the eye level of the intended audience.  Although the exposed screw holes prevent me from labelling it sleek, there is much to be said for straightforward design from simple materials that doesn't have a large foot print and is easy to relocate and change.

Photo: Suzan Globus

This sleek introduction by Sparkeology allows the owner to create changeable displays in house from perforated 8-1/2" by 11" paper to hang on this brushed metal, two sided T-stand. I could imagine it being used also to display some topical periodicals supporting an adjacent display.

Library Furniture Finds from NeoCon 2011

My time at NeoCon's product displays was limited this year, but I did manage to spot a couple of products which appealed to me for use in libraries. For children's and teen seating:
Photo: Suzan Globus

With the right upholstery, these Arconas ottomen, configured to resemble flowers, could brighten a children's area.

Photo: Suzan Globus

"Flip" by Sparkeology is well suited to a teen area in the library.  Shown as storage for backpacks and laptops, the portable stool can be inverted to function as seating.  The coated steel finish is a good choice for teen use.

Library Contains Hidden Treasure

One of the benefits of designing Library interiors is discovering a link to the past or a hidden treasure within a Library's special collection.  A recent visit to a prospective client uncovered several surprises:

Photo: Suzan Globus

1. A beautiful setting on a lush campus overlooking the New York skyline.

Photo: Suzan Globus

2. Strong of the period - 1970's- architecture. As an aside, it doesn't always make for the most usable or accessible interiors, but is still interesting to look at.

Photo: Suzan Globus

3. Exceptional student art displays. This mobile was donated by former student, Alexander Calder.  See photo above for another view.

Photo: Suzan Globus

4. More "student" art. A Calder sculpture anchors rows of book stacks.