Library Buildings around the World

“We took off the old copper dome and it was in very bad shape, corroded in a variety of places, worn very thin and quite grayed out
and green,” said Creedon.
But when workers began to take off the terra cotta tiles to replace them, they discovered that the steel compression ring — which
went around he base of the dome — had been corroded. As a result, they built a temporary shoring ring which was used until the
new compression ring was built.
“We knew we would discover the unexpected, and indeed we did. So that was a time delay and an extra cost,” Creedon said.
“I’ve been told that most of the surprises will be behind us. The old building held a lot of mystery, but the new construction should
be a little bit more straightforward,” she added.
But as Creedon noted, the library’s “ongoing priority is to restore and stabilize the historic structure before we break ground [on the
new addition], before we do any on-site vibration that could further damage it.”
And while the library’s exterior might be the most visible part of the John Jermain building project, its interior renovation is just as
exciting to Creedon.
The library is looking into purchasing small, freestanding charging stations that are solar operated, which Creedon noted will be
useful during power outages. These stations would be able to “power up a cell phone, a laptop or an espresso maker — depending on
what you feel your critical needs are,” Creedon joked.
Currently, Trunzo Builders, the Wainscott-based company heading the renovation, is finding ways to rewire the historic building to
improve wireless communication. Pat Trunzo III said his firm was picking out special floor boxes to be installed on all three floors
that would allow for patrons to both charge their laptops and hardwire them to get internet access.
JJML is also planning to put in place a LOOP hearing-amplification system throughout the building for the hearing impaired, as
well as computers with specialized voice recognition software, movie and music-editing software and more.
In the new building, there will be less space for DVDs, which Creedon likes to call “the VHS tapes of the very near future.”
The library, said Creedon, is seeing an increase in the number of people asking for help with digital downloads, e-book devices and
specialized computer applications.
“We’re really looking at the new space and saying how can the library fulfill its mission of providing information to the community
by being a teaching institution, by making sure that if more and more information is available only electronically, that we’ve not
only provided access to that information, but we’ve given our community the skills with which to access it. So that has been key as
we look at the design of the building,” she said.
“We’re always responding to changes in culture.”
(http://sagharboronline.com/sagharborexpress/tag/john-jermain-memorial-library)
Richgefield Library, Richgefield, CT – USA in design
Dana Addition Case Library, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY – USA 2007
Awards:
Honor Award for Design Excellence AIA / ALA
Architectural Citation National School Boards Association
Honor Award for Design Excellence AIA Connecticut
30,000 sqf
When it was built in 1958, the Case Library conformed to the notion of a library as a warehouse for books, and its architectural
treatment reflected that idea. With our addition, we give it a heart, reflecting its importance as the center of learning at the
University, and a place for imagination. Our solution hides the existing library behind a 30,000 square foot addition, treating it like a
“bustle” behind the new mass. This gives the library new prominence on the campus, forming a stone and brick façade that makes it
compatible with the surrounding mid-nineteenth century Georgian and Victorian architecture. A new two-story central reading
room is now its heart, offering views to the north and a variety of reading rooms, ranging from alcoves to an attic loft, allowing
students to choose from many group or single study spaces. (Newman)
Fairfield Public Library, Town of Fairfield, CT - USA 2005
Awards:
Award for Excellence in Library Design, Honorabel Mention, Connecticut Library Association 2008
Originally built in 1903, the library has undergone several piecemeal expansions throughout the years which have resulted in a
building with many disparate elements. Newman Architects’ addition and renovation project unifies these additions into a cohesive
whole, and brings the library up to contemporary standards in order to accommodate expected increases in library use. The
program includes state of the art upgrading of the technology infrastructure. Interior Design Services Provided: Programming,space
planning, furniture finishes and fabrics selection. (Newman)
Sterling Law School Library, Yale University , New Haven, CT – 2004
Awards:
National Honor Award for Design Excellence AIA, ALA
Excellence in Architecture AIA Connecticut
Jewish Religious Center and Library, Williamstown Collge, Williamstown, MA – USA
Awards:
Design Award, AIA New England Regional Council
Honor Award for Design Excellence, AIA Connecticut
International Honor Award for Design Excellence, Interfaith Forum of Relgion, Art and
Architecture AIA 1991
Eugene M. and Christine E. Lynn Library, Lynn University, Boca Raton, Florida – USA 1998/1999
Westport Public Library, Westport, CT – USA 1998
Awards:
Connecticut Award for Excellence in Public Libray Architecture, CT Library Association 2003
Our addition and renovation responds to programmatic requirements that require discreet spaces for the complex needs of today’s
library.
A town library is an emblem of civic pride. The Westport Library has long been an important town resource and meeting place, but
its structure was lacking appropriate circulation and space to meet enhanced use, and required expansion. Our solution was to
renovate the original library, and design a new addition that will meet the needs of its growing community and new technology.
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