Library Buildings around the World

today as the physical, academic, and social focus of the University Campus and through its form, it reinforces the vistas, traffic
patterns, and open spaces in which it is nested.
Ross Barney Architects was commissioned to develop several options for accommodating, within the library complex, two distinct
components: expansion of compact book storage for the Library and relocation of computing and office spaces for Information
Technology.
To address the overriding need for flexibility and adaptability, concepts featured the construction of spaces that are easily
convertible between book storage and office use. The impact of additions was studied to minimize disruption of existing library
operations as well as building and site elements. New access and traffic patterns were developed to integrate Information
Technologys 24-hour public access computing facilities with Library departments that share similar hours and functions. (Ross)
Oakton Community College, Library Addition, Des Plaines, IL – USA 1998
CLIENT Oakton Community College, Des Plaines, IL, PROGRAM 30,000 square feet Addition Renovation, COST $2.2 million
STATUS Complete 1998
The Oakton Community College library was constructed in 1978 as part of the original campus. Since that time the campus has
nearly doubled in size, yet the 19,000 square feet library remained largely unchanged.
The expansion and renovation project addresses lack of space, campus identity, functional interaction and adaptability to changing
technology. The expanded facility includes library functions, instructional support and lifelong learning services. The new facility
addresses changing technology as an instructional tool and information source by providing flexibility for current and future needs.
Located at the entrance to the campus, the library is the hub of Oakton Community College. The addition provides needed identity
for the library. Views were improved to the heavily wooded site, and opportunities for natural lighting in public areas were
optimized. The expanded library is three levels and approximately 30,000 square feet. All infrastructure systems, electrical,
mechanical and data systems were renovated. (Ross)
Maywood Public Library District, Maywood (Chicago), IL – USA 1998
CLIENT Maywood Public Library District, Maywood, IL, PROGRAM 30,000 square feet Addition Renovation, COST $4.5 million,
STATUS Complete 1998
Maywood, Illinois is an inner ring Chicago suburb. Economic depression and gang crime have plagued the town in recent years. The
Library Board's decision to undertake a major expansion to their 7,000 square feet, 1908 Carnegie Library was a courageous
attempt to create a catalyst for the revitalization of the community. After a true grass roots campaign that included enlisting every
Church in Maywood, the library became one of the very few Library districts to pass a building referendum in Illinois in the early
1990's.
The design of the addition reflects the Board's hopeful and progressive outlook while maintaining the integrity of the historic
Carnegie. A cylindrical lobby and stair carefully separate the much larger addition (30,000 square feet) from the original building. A
masonry wall detailed to recall the Carnegie, forms the facade of the Addition. Behind this screen is a simple, and elemental interior
that clearly distinguishes the Addition from the earlier structure.
Furniture designed by the Architect reflects the clean simple design. Reading tables, computer stands, and end panels on the shelving
are made of plywood. The Children's furniture is of similar construction and detail, but finished in multiple colors. In the Children's
Library, awning materials are used to create a more childlike scale and atmosphere. (Ross)
Mabel Manning Branch Library, Chicago Public Library, Chicago, IL – USA 1994
CLIENT Chicago Public Library, PROGRAM 12,000 square feet, COST $3.2 million, STATUS Complete 1994
This new branch library serves the Near West Side community which has had inconsistent library service and has one of the lowest
per capita income levels in the city. The library's collections and services will reflect the special needs of the neighborhood's inner
city patrons.
With the redevelopment of the nearby Chicago Stadium and several public works improvements, the community is being revived.
The library site is located on the area's main thoroughfare and is the first step in the development of a multi-block, campus-like park
extending to several area schools. The library, with its beacon-like entry tower, will become the focus of the park.
The compact, efficient 12,000 square feet plan is organized around a clerestoried Reading Room. The Auditorium is designed to
allow for after library hours use by community groups. (Ross)
Barrington Area Library, Barrington, IL – USA 1994
CLIENT Barrington Area Library, Barrington, IL, PROGRAM Addition 30,700 square feet, COST $6 million, STATUS Completed
1994
In 1989, the Barrington Area Library recognized the need for a major building addition to their 10 year old facility. Besides
generalized expansion, their program included a new large public meeting room.
The original library is a low profile brick and tile building which nestles into the heavily wooded site. The design seeks to maintain
the original ambiance while improving views from the building into the site and enhancing the library's identity from the highway.
The new plan joins the new and old building elements along an arcaded "street" leading patrons from the parking lot to a
hospitality/welcome desk. The main "street" is intersected by a secondary axis directly in front of the hospitality desk. This "street"
takes patrons to the major library service nodes; circulation, adult, reference and young people's services. Meeting rooms are also on
the axis. The new entry space is enclosed by a wood structure. Closely spaced columns built from dimension lumber support light,
wood framed joists. Daylight from clerestory windows filter through the branch-like structure to the lobby floor. Other building
materials match the original. The $6 million, 30,700 square feet addition was part of an expansion/renovation that doubled the size of
the library. (Ross)
RSP Architects, Minneapolis, MN – USA
http://www.rsparch.com
Pierre Bottineau Community Library, Minneapolis, MN – USA 2003
For nearly a half-century the public library serving a pocket of Northeast Minneapolis was housed in a leased storefront that, at
3,000 sf, was woefully inadequate for the number of patrons served. RSP was initially engaged by the Minneapolis Public Libraries
to study the feasibility of reusing the former Grain Belt Brewery Gasthaus for a new community library. The original structures of
the new library are on the National Register of Historic Places. They were a steel-supported 1893 wagon shed and a brick Millwright
Shop built in 1913. In the years following World War II the buildings were converted to become the cornerstone of a community
garden for visitors to the Brewery and attained iconic status within the neighborhood over time. We worked closely with community
organizations and artists to make the library a special place for the many families with children, seniors, and neighborhood
residents– many of whom are East-European emigrés–who are library patrons. The new facility opened in May 2003 and quickly
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