Library Buildings around the World

Cookstown Library, Cookstown, ON – Canada 2009
In association with Saltar Pilon.
Client: Innisifil Public Library, Size: 10,000 sqft.
The site is on the former County Fairgrounds in the centre of Cookstown. The Library is designed as a series of functions sheltered
under a single roof form. A continuous roof monitor floods the interior with controlled daylight. The Library is designed around the
proactive customer service model. It features open feasible space and clear sightlines. The library contains dedicated Teen and
Children's Areas and a Fireplace Lounge.
Included in the program is a 2,000 sq ft Community Meeting and Recreation space. Both the Library and the Community Rooms
open to a Common Lobby using folding partitions. This allows multiple uses of the same space. (SZA)
Greenboro District Library & Community Centre, Ottawa, ON – Canada 2006
Client: City of Ottawa, Size: 25,000 sqft
The South District Library is a 25,000 square foot addition to Greenboro Community Centre. The centre is organized around an
interior street with Cafe and Community Rooms. The project also includes Gymnasiums, Community Rooms and a Daycare.
The building is designed both as a community focal point and a “library of the future.” It confidently embraces new computer
technologies, new strategies of proactive customer service. The approach is based in part on ideas from new large bookstores as well
as new methods of public service such as self check in, check out and drive by book drop. The design is flexible, open, inviting and
accessible to all.
The project is one of the City of Ottawa’s first sustainable design projects. It was designed to a LEED Silver Level. (SZA)
Petawawa Public Library,Petawana, ON – Canada 2004
Client: Town of Petawawa, Size: 7,000 sq ft new construction, 5,000 sq ft renovated space
This project involved the addition to and renovation of an existing community center. The work included an expanded, renovated
library, a 60 seat multipurpose room with separate after hours access and a new entrance and internal street linking all of the
facilities of the existing community center into a multi-purpose integrated facility.
The design accommodates technological resources to current standards with flexibility for future growth and change. The design
includes: a central reading area with fireplace, bay windows with reading seats, group and personal study spaces, multi-media
listening and viewing areas, a dedicated teen area, children’s reading and study areas and a children’s program room. (SZA)
Albert College Junior School & Library, Belleville, ON – Canada 2003
Client: Albert College, Size: 27,900 sqft
This project evolved from a master plan for the 80 year old private school redevelopment including a 21,000 sq ft Arts Wing, 300
seat theatre, 64 beds girls residence and 23,370 sq ft junior school and library for primary and junior students. Reloation of playing
fields and courts and redevelopment of parking and circulation routes includeing a new major entrance to the site.
The first phase was the school for primary and junior students. It is arranged around a central library. The library includes both
individual and group study areas as well as an informal reading room for author readings, student performances an other similar
events. (SZA)
Pittsburgh Branch Community Library, Location: Kingston, ON – Canada 2000
Client: Kingston Frontenac Public Library, Size: 5,000 sq ft (2,500 sq ft restored)
Awards:
Ontario Library Association Design Award
Heritage Kingston Award
Renovation of historic Hawthorn House (1866) and an addition compatible with the historic architecture. The existing ground floor
rooms were restored, including working fire places for use in reading and study rooms. Library includes a technology area,
children's program room, reading and study rooms and 18,000 volume collection. The design was developed in consultation with
various stakeholders during the amalgamation of three municipalities and two library systems. It and was embraced by all, while
being completed within the agreed budget and schedule. (SZA)
Cornwall Public Library, Cornwall, ON – Canada 1996
Associate Architects: Diamond + Schmitt Architects
Client: Cornwall Public Library, Size: 70,000 sqft
Awards:
Ontario Library Association, Library Design Awards, 1999
Site selection study identified an under utilized historic Post Office in the downtown core. This option was selected providing 70,000
sqft. of space, higher quality finishes and materials within the budget for 40,000 sqft. of new space.
The renovation included a multipurpose room with full audiovisual facilities, with the latest technologies for systems management.
The program also includes the provision of the Cornwall room, a local history archive.
The project included $1.1M in exterior restoration. This consisted of extensive stone restoration and replacement, as well as window
and roof restoration.(SZA)
Reason for Designation:
The primary reasons for designation are of an architectural and historical nature including that the former Post Office building is an
unique example in the Municipality of Institutional International style Architecture with a prominent stone façade and sidewalk
promenade facing Second Street. As well, the aluminium-clad windows on the first storey and interior black marble add to the
buildings uniqueness. Constructed in 1953, the structure was originally home to the City's Main Post Office. Under a comprehensive
Library Relocation project that was completed in 1996, extension attention was given to carrying-out and adaptive restoration and
reuse of the structure/site for the Cornwall Public Library. The site continues to act as a focal point for the Community and it an
integral component to the viability of the City's Downtown Core. (http://www.waymarking.com)
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