Library Buildings around the World

The Library was proposed for demolition in the mid-1970s. Concerned citizens formed the Los Angeles Conservancy to save the
Library and prevent similar crisis in the future through an on-going program to promote historic preservation. In 1983, after several
years of public discussion and debate, the City Council directed the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to preserve the
Library.
Before restoration work could begin, however, two fires in 1986 destroyed portions of the library's vast collections and damaged
many of the building's interior decorations. Despite this extensive damage, the CRA went ahead with a major rehabilitation and
expansion plan for the Library. The firm of Hardy, Holzman and Pfeiffer served as the lead architects for this project, which
included both a restoration of the original building and the addition of a new wing on the library's east side. In October 1993 - more
than 15 years after the building was first threatened with demolition - the Library was re-opened in a grand community celebration.
(http://www.lacconservancy.org/tours/downtown/library.php)
Humphries Poli Architects P.C., Denver, CO – USA
http://www.hparch.com
Libraries:
Green Valley Ranch Branch Library, Denver CO – USA 2011
The $11.4 million dollar GVR Library, located at 4586 North Andes Court, is the first of three Better Denver Bond funded, newly
constructed Denver Public Library branches to be completed or to begin construction as part of the Better Denver Bond library
improvements.
The new 26,000 square foot facility incorporates the latest in library technology including customer self-checkout stations and an
automated handling system utilizing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, making the checkout of materials quicker
and ensuring better tracking and accessibility of Library collections.
The Library branch also boasts fifty public computers, wi-fi accessibility, a lounge complete with a fireplace and views of the
outdoors, areas for children with youth-friendly furniture, a sub-dividable 100-seat community room, small meeting rooms, and even
an airplane cockpit provided by United Airline’s Training Facility that encourages imagination and shared learning for visitors of all
ages.
"I’m excited about this new Library and the difference it will make in Green Valley and the surrounding area," says Councilman
Michael Hancock. "Everything about the Library, especially the fabulous access to computers, will add so much to the area’s quality
of life. Thanks to all the citizens who participated in the Library’s planning and design brainstorming, and thanks to the voters for
endorsing the Better Denver Bonds."
As part of the City’s commitment to Greenprint Denver initiatives, the Library was designed and constructed with the goal of
achieving Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification through sustainable construction approaches
recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council. Through the use of recycled and regional materials, materials with low emissions,
low-flow water fixtures, solar tubes, day-lighting, and evaporative cooling systems the facility is estimated to use approximately 60%
less energy and 40% less water annually than those buildings using conventional design approaches.
The Architecture: Plains and Planes
The vision for the Branch’s physical design was derived from community comments emphasizing the building’s relation to the plains
landscape and the airplanes of the nearby Denver International Airport. Humphries Poli Architects specifically designed the
building to accentuate the "i-Plains" and the "e-Planes" concept with an aerodynamic roof form, structural detailing developed
from early aircraft design, and long and linear shapes that echo strip farming and other dry-land agricultural techniques.
Additional character-defining features include a roof-line divided into four distinct levels, or "planes," and a beautiful xeriscaped
garden (the "outdoor library,") which mirrors these four planes.
(http://denverlibrary.org/bond/green-valley-ranch-branch-library)
Pueblo West White Branch Library CO – USA 2010
Responding to community growth by renovating a 5,000 sq. ft. library and adding 23,000 sq. ft. of new space, the City and County of
Pueblo Library District enhances capacity and community services in a dramatic transformation of space and purpose. Among
numerous sustainable design principles being incorporated in this LEED Silver facility, an innovative series of light monitors will fill
the library with natural light while simultaneously contributing to reduced energy consumption and lower heating and cooling costs.
( Humphries )
Anythink Brighton Library, Brighton CO – USA 2009
Believed to be the first carbon-positive library in the USA, In 2009 it was offseting 176,620 pounds of carbon dioxide. The building
includes a 108 kw photovoltaic system which generates more than a third of the building's power and will save the library $30,000 a
year in energy costs. Also uses geothermal heating and cooling, and incorporates Solatubes which are reflective tubes that capture
daylight and deliver it inside to illuminate interior spaces. (http://www.greenlibraries.org)
Louisville Public Library, Louisville CO – USA 2006
The Louisville Public Library benefited from a strong collaborative relationship between architect, client and public. During site
selection, Humphries Poli suggested a location within the City's historic district rather than a commercialized location away from
town. Embracing community context, the library now stands across the street from what will soon be Louisville's commuter rail
station playing an important role in the reinvigoration of the City's core. (Humphries)
Awards:
2007 American Institute of Architects Denver Citation Award
Granby Library, Granby CO – USA 2006
The Granby Library is a distinguished landmark that deftly combines contemporary aesthetics with local materials and historic
forms, while taking advantage of the abundant Colorado views and daylight. Two prominent "sheds," oppositely angled, create a
balanced composition that gives equal attention to the town's new Civic District and the long vistas to the west. (Humphries)
Awards:
2006 American Institute of Architects Denver Merit Award
Dolores Public Library, Dolores CO – USA 2005
Site on a narrow parcel parallel to the Dolores River, this design is in harmony with the small mountain town community's desire to
preserve local heritage and enhance the natural environment. Open reading and community rooms with floor to ceiling window
walls maintain a constant connection with the adjacent river while the building's flexible floor plan allows for reconfiguration of
space to accommodate changing community needs. (Humphries)
Awards:
Library Journal's Best Small Libraries in America - Special Mention
"We were impressed with your professionalism, as well as your ability and willingness to seek creative alternatives and cost effective
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