Library Buildings around the World

in the center of the facility, has visibility to the entire collection area. Features of the design include the ability to secure the library
area while still maintaining after-hours access to the program room, two outdoor reading rooms, ICN capabilities, a drive-up book
drop, and flexibility for future expansion.
The exterior character of the library recalled the historic atmosphere of the community. Five varieties of Anamosa stone, native to
this region, are incorporated into the exterior design. The hip roof form culminates in a raised element that provides clerestory
lighting to the center of the facility. In November of 2004, the new Anamosa Library and Learning Center opened. In 2005, the
historic town library was re-purposed as the home for the Anamosa Police Department.
“ We are so pleased and proud of our Anamosa Library and much credit goes to OPN for putting all our ideas together and coming
up with a great design.”
- Charlene George, President, Board of Trustees (OPN)
Oskaloosa Public Library, Oskaloosa IA – USA 1997
Sqf. 25.000, $ 2.700.000
The original Oskaloosa Public Library was constructed in 1902 in the Jeffersonian Revival style. Funding for the original library
was provided by Andrew Carnegie. In 1996, OPN Architects was selected to provide professional design services for the renovation
and addition to the Oskaloosa Public Library. Funding for the new addition and renovation was provided by a local option sales tax.
Prior to schematic design, OPN analyzed the Carnegie facility to determine the organizing principles used by the original designer.
Utilizing these same principles of design, a new addition was created that was in harmony with the character of the historic building
and satisfied the program requirements for contemporary library. OPN assisted in the specifications of all finishes for the facility.
OPN also provided design services to assist the library staff in the selection and specification of all furnishings.
“ I would give OPN my highest recommendation for any public library planning a building project. From the beginning they
conducted the architectural design of our new facility in a very professional mannor. They realize the importance of the library
staff’s time. Punctuality and good organization were hallmarks of each meeting. I would be happy to visit with anyone about our
experience with OPN.”
— Nancy Simpson, Former Library Director Oskaloosa Public Library (OPN)
Osborn Architects, Glendale, CA – USA
http://www.osborn320.com
Libraries:
Robert Viramontes Learning Resource Center, Baldwin Park CA – USA in design
Client Baldwin Park USD, Size 19,000 sqft., Project Value $9,000,000
The design of the Robert Viramontes Learning Resource Center is the product of an intense collaboration between the designers,
administrators, teachers, librarians, parents and students. The library includes a large open reading area defined by an acoustical
wood ceiling and a central glass atrium. Private study rooms are located to the north, while past the reference desk to the south is a
gallery, audiovisual room, computer lab, faculty workroom and a conference room. (Osborne)
Glendale Satellite Library, Glendale, CA – USA 2008
Client City of Glendale, Size 2,400 sqft., Project Value $610,000, Completion Date 2008
Awards
Pasadena & Foothill AIA, Honor Award, Interiors, 2008
The final design of this new satellite library in Glendale creates an open and adaptive working space within a limited area. At 2,000
square feet, the small, semi-circular space realizes an evolving paradigm for libraries, changing from stack-centered and spatially
intensive to resource-driven, time-based, and community-oriented. Programmatically, the Glendale Public Library system proposed
a library wherein the collection was entirely flexible, drawing from the Central Library. The design amplifies the fluid relationship
between an institution and its stakeholders through material transparency where the changing content in the library becomes the
literal façade. (Osborn)
Duarte High School Library, Duarte, CA – USA 2004
Client Duarte USD, Size 46,000 sqft., Project Value $3,000,000, Completion Date 2004
Duarte High School selected Osborn to design the modernization and expansion of the prominently sited library on the school’s west
end of the campus courtyard. The design provided an opportunity to expand the book stack collections, improve and redirect access
and circulation, upgrade IT/technology and computer stations, increase acoustics and sound isolation, and upgrade mechanical
components. The study room is the heart of the building. A high wood panel ceiling with acoustic backing guarantees a quiet,
comfortable area and different roof heights allow clerestory windows to bring abundant light into the building, while additional
large window openings allow for views into the landscape. (Osborn)
La Cañada Middle and High School Library & Classroom Building, La Cañada CA – USA 2002
Client La Cañada USD, Size 14,500 sqft., Project Value $5,000,000. Completion Date 2002
Awards:
School Construction & News Design Award, 2002
La Cañada Unified School District asked Osborn to create a new classroom building and a new library building. The new library
creates a sense of place with the juxtaposition of the curving wall of the library reading room to the three-story façade of the new
classroom building creating a powerful dynamic both inside and outside the building. An open plan with a mezzanine provides the
library staff complete visual connection to all spaces from the circulation desk. Separate entries allow the building to function
independently after school to serve the needs of the surrounding community. The additions create a new courtyard that provides a
separate identity for the lower grade students. (Osborn)
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