Library Buildings around the World

Eskind Library is a dynamic addition to the Vanderbilt campus, both as a facility for information services, and as a symbol of the
institution's future in the medical sciences. (Davis)
Astor Rare Book and Manuscript Reading Room, New York Public Library, NY – USA 1993
The Brooke Russell Astor Rare Books and Manuscripts Reading Room is a specially designed preservation environment that
contains the New York Public Library’s important rare-book collections. Once scattered throughout the Central Research Branch,
they are now housed together in the former History and Genealogy Room, which is now a secure research space conditioned for the
storage of rare books and manuscripts. The Rare Books Collection is now comprised of a storage vault and a reading room. The
storage vault stands directly below the reading room and access is available by stairs and a dumbwaiter. Environmental control and
theft prevention were the two main concerns in the design. Sophisticated HVAC units were installed to maintain the climate as well
as environmentally sensitive lighting to prevent any damage to the books and manuscripts. The archival steel bookcases, designed to
fit into the existing mezzanine structure, are completely sealed and finished with a powder coating to prevent out-gassing. A tinted
UV-filtering glass is used for the glass doors. Library patrons are not allowed direct access to the cases, which are locked and kept
secure. New furniture for the room includes illuminated oak study tables, which have built-in outlets for laptop computers. These
individual tables, rather than the usual long ones, confine research material to a smaller area and make visual supervision of these
precious materials easier for librarians. Other woodwork, such as the main counter and the original Carrére and Hastings chairs,
was rehabilitated. (Davis)
Dekker Perich Sabatini, Albuquerque, NM – USA
http://www.dpsdesign.org
Libraries:
Espanola Public Library, Espanola, NM – USA on design
This 16,000sf library will replace Espanola’s existing outdated and undersized library with a modern facility that meets the
community’s needs. Phase 1 Preliminary Design focused on evaluating 5 potential sites for the new facility, defining the project goals
and space program, and creating a preliminary site plan and floor plan. D/P/S is working closely with the Coalition for a New
Library as well as providing regular updates to City Council and facilitating public input meetings. The new library will enhance the
Plaza de Espanola area, and provide room for collection and computing expansion as well as needed areas for Children and Teen
areas, a Cultural/Historical Alcove, and public meeting space. The library will be designed to enhance the image of Espanola, pursue
LEED certification, plan for future expansion, and promote local culture, artists, and materials. (Dekker)
NMJC (New Mexico Junior College) Pannell Library, Hobbs, NM – USA 2010
3.800.000 $
This renovation of a 30,000sf existing library focused on increasing space efficiency and thoroughly upgrading the building to
respond to concerns about safety, accessibility, and sustainability. New classrooms, computer labs, offices, and support spaces will be
created on the second floor. On the first floor, fixed stacks will be replaced with high-density mobile shelving units to provide
additional collection capacity. Library support spaces will be renovated, the main circulation desk will be replaced, and a periodicals
desk will be added. Restrooms, mechanical systems, ceilings, lighting, and the sprinkler system will be upgraded to meet current
needs. A small building addition will provide a new entry vestibule, stair, and elevator to address code issues. This addition updates
the look of the building with curtainwall, metal panels, and a metal canopy, all of which relate to the material palette of other recent
campus buildings. Existing glazing is also being replaced to improve maintenance and energy conservation. (Dekker)
UNR (University of Nevada, Reno) Knowledge Center, Reno, NV – USA 2008
Size: 295,000sf
Dekker/Perich/Sabatini served as the lead design firm on the project and collaborated with Hershenow+Klippenstein (architect-ofrecord)
throughout all project phases. Designed as a library of the future compatible with the neo-Jeffersonian style of the
university’s original campus, this building combines traditional library functions with technology classrooms, video-conferencing
facilities and specialized computer labs. UNR has embraced the idea of the library as a comfortable space for both students and the
public to spend long periods of time and the building features lounge areas, public meeting rooms, a café and a 13,000sf automated
storage and retrieval system capable of providing 20 years of collection growth in a compact footprint. he building design
incorporates efficient use of natural and artificial light: a combination of curtain wall, shading devices, light shelves, atrium glazing,
and roof skylights to provide well-controlled natural light for a large portion of the public space, and an automated electric lighting
control system to manage energy use and occupancy sensors to maximize efficiency. (Dekker)
San Juan College Learning Commons, Farmington, NM – USA 2005
This new Learning Commons serves as the new ‘front door’ to the San Juan College campus. The concept brings together the media
center, art center, and student activities center to create a hub of intellectual and social interaction on campus. Traditional library
functions are combined with multimedia resources and student amenities in a relaxed atmosphere. The wireless network and mix of
study and lounge furniture allows students to work and socialize flexibly throughout the building. Low, widely spaced book shelves
reinforce the open, spacious feeling of the library. Over 9,000sf of the existing building was renovated to house the bookstore
operations and other spaces, and a 33,000sf two-story addition accommodates the remainder of the program. The first floor focuses
on student activities, such as student club stations, recreation areas, gaming spaces, and student offices. The second floor houses
library collections, seating, computer labs, and study rooms. (Dekker)
Paseo Verde Library, Henderson, NV – USA 2002
Awards:
AIA Nevada Excellence Design Award 2003
This 40,000sf library for the Henderson District Public Library System (HDPL) houses 100,000 volumes of general collections and
50,000 volumes of children collections. A large reading room on the north end provides patrons a separate quiet area with views of
the entire Las Vegas valley. A secure courtyard can be used as a programmable space. Several additional features encourage greater
community and individual use, such as a young people’s library, a community meeting room, and a coffee/sandwich shop. The shop
has indoor and outdoor seating and is a popular hangout, particularly during the lunch hour. Also incorporated were numerous
private study rooms and computer labs. Daylighting is introduced through clerestories and high volumes, and stack and reading
spaces are protected from direct solar exposure. The technological infrastructure includes a wireless network and a self-checkout
system. Numerous computer stations are placed strategically around the library to provide accessibility and privacy. (Dekker)
Whitney Library, Las Vegas, NV – USA 1994
This branch library for the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District is organized around three distinct areas: Adult Reading,
Young People’s Library, and Performing Arts. All of these areas spin off a central control area which unites the circular form of the
young people’s area with the more linear plan of the other areas. Community use is encouraged through a 300 seat public
auditorium, an art gallery and a special collections room dedicated to materials relating specifically to the American Southwest. Also
included are several private study rooms, meeting rooms and computer rooms. To create an identifiable public image along a major,
high speed city artery, the building is brightly colored with an introspective wall canted slightly to the plane of the street. This
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