Library Buildings around the World

The new library incorporates an array of Internet-access computers, word-processing stations, and CD-ROM terminals to meet the
ever-growing demand.
The facility is also designed to optimize the library’s visibility in the community. The north facade along Rutherford Road is glazed,
exposing all the activity inside. The double-height Internet café protrudes from this facade, and its media installation acts both as a
beacon and as a source of information to library users. The second-floor study lounge breaks out of the main building mass,
commanding a presence along Rutherford Road and providing views to the adjacent Boyd Conservation Area. (Diamond)
Maria A. Shchuka District Branch Library, Toronto, ON – Canada 2003
December 1, 1999
To: Budget Advisory Committee
From: City Librarian
Subject: Proposed Reconstruction of Maria A. Shchuka District Library
York Eglinton - Ward 28
Purpose:
To respond to the request from the Budget Advisory Committee that the City Librarian report back on the feasibility of reducing the
size and scope of the Maria A. Shchuka District Library so that it is not deemed to be a district library and rationalize the
reconstruction.
Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
There are no financial implications to the Library's original capital submission except for the effect on cash flow resulting from
deferment.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that this report be received for information.
Background:
At the November 16, 1999 Capital Budget Review meeting with the Budget Advisory Committee, the City Librarian was directed to
report on the feasibility of reducing the size and scope of the Maria A. Shchuka District Library so that it not be deemed to be a
district library and rationalize the reconstruction. The Maria A. Shchuka Library, formerly the "main" library of the City of York
Public Library, provides service to the entire community (1996 population = 146,534). Prior to amalgamation, reconstruction of this
24,000 square foot library was a priority of the City of York Public Library Board. Studies were undertaken to investigate
reconstruction and expansion to 48,000 square feet. More recently, it was designated by the Toronto Public Library as one of the 17
district library locations. The current reconstruction proposal replicates the existing square footage and addresses the structural and
service deficiences.
Comments:
The most recent study "Interim Report on Maria A. Shchuka Library Branch Feasibility Study Update" (July 1998) conducted by
the Randolph Group in association with A. J. Diamond, Donald Schmitt & Company, summarized the following major deficiences:
(1) Internal building layout a labyrinth;
(2) A multitude of rooms and walls which make the collections virtually inaccessible without staff assistance (eg. children's
collections divided into three separate rooms);
(3) Customers are totally unaware of the second floor since stairs and elevator are not very visible;
(4) Poor access and movement for those with disabilities (eg. one program/meeting room totally inaccessible);
(5) Insufficient seating and study areas;
(6) Inadequate, outdated and inefficient HVAC, electrical and mechanical systems;
(7) Collections overcrowded and poorly displayed;
(8) Sightlines are non-existent and therefore security problems abound.
In short, the present building does not function effectively as a district library.
As a district library, Maria A. Shchuka provides a higher level of reference service and collections than is available in
neighbourhood branches. The community is used to, and expects this level of service, and anticipates it continuance. At a public
meeting on October 21, 1999, the community was informed of the proposed reconstruction, and also of the plans for future service.
The response to the proposals was very positive.
The branch is situated in an area of the city with high demands for services for children, youth and seniors. Enhancements to service
such as improved computer and electronic resources, more study areas, literacy services, as well as improvements to Youth and
Children's services have been identified as being essential to the needs of the community. A reduction of this library in size and
function (ie. to a neighbourhood branch) would effectively diminish service levels for the community.
It is worth noting that although the Oakwood Village Library and Arts Centre is in relatively close proximity to Maria A. Shchuka
Library, as a neighbourhood branch it is not large enough to fulfill a district library function. It has a mandate as an arts centre
which gives it a very different and special focus.
All other libraries in the district are categorized as neighbourhood libraries, and have neither the physical size nor collection depth
to fulfill a district function.
Of particular importance in the proposed reconstruction project is the issue of partnerships. These partnerships have been
thoughtfully conceived and executed to enhance both community and district library services:
(1) The Toronto Public Library has agreed to provide the land for an affordable housing component in partnership with the "Let's
Build" initiative of the City of Toronto, Community and Neighbourhood Services. This has already been through an "expression of
interest" process, and four proposals have been received.
(2) A Youth Resource Centre will be accommodated within the proposed square footage in partnership with COSTI, a highly
respected and longstanding community organization. Such a partnership is dependent on the service mandate of a district library.
Conclusions:
In summary, the reconstruction of the Maria A. Shchuka District Library will provide a better, not a bigger library. Also, the
combination of a district library in partnership with a youth centre and affordable housing would contribute to the development of
the community and the planned revitalization of Eglinton Avenue.
It is not feasible to reduce the Maria A. Shchuka Library to neighbourhood status as this would result in a severe reduction in
service and limit the Library's ability to respond effectively to identified community needs (eg. literacy, computer skills, special needs
of families, youth, seniors, ELS and immigrant communities). (http://www.toronto.ca)
Gerstein Science Information Centre, The Morrison Pavilion, Toronto, ON – Canada 2003
The Gerstein Science Library comprised three wings constructed in 1893 and 1912. With the Sigmund Samuel addition in 1952, it
was essentially a warehouse for books and had become a disorienting, dysfunctional and inadequate facility. The master plan for the
library set out a phased strategy of interior renovation, restoration of heritage reading rooms and construction of a new wing. The
Morrison Pavilion, only 9 metres wide, extends the full length and height of all five floors and forms a new facade on the forgotten
ravine east of the building. Limestone cladding and new bay windows emulate the material and proportion of the 1912 wing. New
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