Library Buildings around the World

G. Bruce Stratton Architects, Toronto, ON – Canada
http://www.strattonarchitects.com
Libraries:
Woodside Square Library, Toronto Public Libray System, Toronto, ON – Canada 2007
$ 900.000
Woodside Square Library is located in a suburban shopping mall in Scarborough. Immediate mall neighbours include Shopper’s
Drug Mart, LCBO and the Royal Bank. The inclusion of public spaces such as libraries into the private realm is not a new concept
but it remains somewhat of an enigma given that public institutions such as libraries do not often share premises with private retail
interests. We would argue that Woodside Square Library has made a noticeable, positive impact on the ‘streetscape’ of the shopping
mall. Interior architecture is always about material selection and the marriage of the materials as well as the composition, texture,
colours and lighting both natural and artificial. Maple veneers, stainless steel, coloured glass, recycled carpet tile and porcelain tiles
are the materials which have been selected for the library. Energy efficient T5 suspended light fixtures have been utilized for the
study areas. Public libraries within Toronto are cornerstones of communities and focal points even if they are located in midsized
suburban shopping malls. (Stratton)
Runnymede Library, Toronto Public Libray System, Toronto, ON – Canada 2005
$ 3.300.000
Awards:
Design Excellence 2007 Toronto Association of Architects
Runnymede Branch Library created a sensation when it opened its doors in 1929. Designed by Canadian architect John Lyle (1872
– 1945. Runnymede Library 1930. A branch of the Toronto Public Library. Incorporates elements of English and French colonial
architecture in Canada and uses Canadian imagery for ornamentation), the library was marked by a clear division of spaces and a
residential character that allows it to immerse itself in its Bloor Street West neighbourhood. Notoriously, an avant-garde edge
surfaced in the bas-relief details: they were predominantly of Canadian flora, fauna, and North American Native motifs--a radical
departure from the Elizabethan or Jacobean style typical for this kind of public building. The challenge in renovating this building
and designing an addition to it was to maintain the integrity of the original without trying to imitate it, such that the addition
develops as a unique character that strengthens and enhances without overwhelming. Views from the street played an important
role in the design process, as did views from the library into the adjacent park. (Stratton)
Long Branch Library, Toronto Public Libray System, Toronto, ON – Canada 2005
$ 950.000
Long Branch Library originally opened in 1955, a modernist building designed by Toronto architects Murray, Brown, and Elton.
After 50 years of successful operation with an ever-increasing client load, the interior was in a desperate state of repair, requiring a
rethinking and a reorganization of all the interior spaces. The newly renovated space takes cues from exterior Art-Deco elements
and establishes them in the library’s interior. Featuring a combination of rectilinear and curvilinear geometries, stainless steel
decorative features, bird’s eye maple and sapele millwork, and intricate porcelain tile inlay, the new layout revolves around a
centralized circulation desk which provides staff with good sight-lines to all key parts of the library. Finishes have been selected to
withstand a high degree of abuse, and lighting has been carefully gauged to provide comfortable light levels for reading and
studying. The new program includes distinct children's and teens' areas, a multi-purpose space, and new computers with internet
access. The library houses some 35,000 books, magazines, and CD/DVDs. (Stratton)
Black Greek Library, Toronto Public Libray System, Toronto,ON – Canada 2003
$ 550.000
Located in the lower level of Sheridan Mall in North York. The concept was to provide a space which was bright and warm with
flowing lines in the design to encourage sliding perspectives. The lounge at the front of the library takes advantage of the mall traffic
and allows light to the rear of the space. Finishes include birch veneers, solid acrylic surfaces, onyx, slate, and glass tile. (Stratton)
Bayview Library, Toronto Public Libray System, Toronto,ON – Canada 2002
$ 750.000
Public libraries in urban settings can find themselves in a variety of locations and building types ranging from standalone facilities to
part of multi-use complexes. Bayview Branch Library is an example of yet another genre - the shopping mall tenancy. This branch
occupies a space on the south side of an upscale mall, where store front picture windows provide an abundance of natural light into
the lounge/reading area. Coloured glass strips in these windows both advertise the entrance to the library from the street, and cut
down on glare in the reading areas.
The library occupies a split-level floor plate, emphasized by a colourful children’s folly straddling the space between stairs and
ramp. Finishes are rich and distinctive, featuring zebra wood veneers, slate floors, glass tile accents, a travertine circulation desk,
and strong highlight colours. (Stratton)
SZA Shoalts and Zaback Architects, Ltd., Kingston, ON – Canada
http://szarch.com
Libraries:
Scugog Memorial Public Library, Port Perry, ON – Canada 2011
Client: Township of Scugog, Size: 1,513 sq meters
Awards:
2012 Ontario Library Association Library Architectural and Design Transformation Award
The circa 1980 Scugog Memorial Community Centre and Library has been expanded and revitalized by this project. The existing
building was wrapped in a series of additions to completely transform its character, to move the main entrance to the street facade,
and to take advantage of its setting in the waterfront park. The library remained open throughout construction.
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