SJCPL - Building Program for Lakerville Community Branch

The Vision of the St. Joseph County Public Library, what we strive to see realized for all our patrons and users, can be summed up in three words:

Our world continues to move rapidly toward an electronic global economy and the same question that confronted us in the last long range plan continues to bite at our heels: how will public library services over the next five, ten or even 20 years meet the demands of our public in environments that have a growing and deepening need for electronic access to information, knowledge, and culture? The gap between those who know how to survive in this new information rich environment and those who do not continues to widen. This gap dramatically affects nearly every profession, business, and aspect of our lives. This includes the way we shop and carry out our daily activities, to the way we educate ourselves and our children, conduct our business, communicate and collaborate with others, and use our libraries.

Public libraries are more vibrant than ever as new dynamic structures and services are being developed throughout this country and the world. Public libraries are playing key roles for their communities in assisting, guiding and leading citizens in every walk of life and at every age level to embrace and flourish in this new information-rich, knowledge-rich milieu of growing cultural diversity. Our patrons’ information, education and recreation needs change as they move through the different stages of their lives. Our challenge as a public library is not only to fulfill these needs, but also to anticipate them; not only to meet the expectations of our patrons, but also to exceed them. We will create a new model of library that keeps our patrons coming back for fresh, unique discoveries throughout their lives. Creating “your library for life” is our essential, number one priority.

Public libraries are places where the community gathers and interacts. Libraries should be safe, clean and well maintained. They should also be beautiful and inviting spaces that inspire and provide the setting for accessing information, attending programs, conducting meetings and discussing issues. With every renovation or building project we undertake, we will offer spaces that foster personal growth and encourage people to come together to learn, discover and enjoy.

The services, resources, staff interaction and environment should inspire people to revisit the Library and appreciate what it has to offer.

Unique surroundings such as an inviting and welcoming community building, comfortable, relaxed interior spaces that lead to new discoveries each time one returns to them, outdoor gardens for reading and gathering together, along with the traditional library resources, provide attractive spaces for all to enjoy.

A Library should attempt to balance constant changes in technology with timeless concepts. Natural materials, open and airy spaces, connection between the interior spaces and outdoors, and a homey feeling are concepts driving the aesthetics of this built environment.

Incorporating these concepts into a facility that offers a sense of nature, beauty and simplicity is a goal of the following program.

The project site is located at the southeast corner of 116 N. Michigan Street (US Route 31) and Monroe Street in Lakeville, Indiana. The site consists of two lots with approximately 132’ fronting N. Michigan Street and approximately 165’ fronting Monroe Street for a total of approximately 21,780 sq. ft. The site is nearly level but slopes slightly to the southwest. The Masonic Lodge, the only structure, takes up a small portion of the entire site while the remainder of the site is clear of trees and shrubs and has been well maintained. The Library and the owners have agreed to and signed a Contract To Purchase. An environmental Phase I investigation by EIS Environmental Engineers, Inc. of South Bend, Indiana, has been completed and no environmental problems were found. The closing on the real estate should take place by the end of September 2005.

The site has one environmental concern about which the Library is aware and will address. One of Lakeville’s two water pumping stations for the town’s drinking water is located directly to the east of the site, just a few feet away from the north-south alley and the property line. St. Joseph County health statues require that no parking lot with drywells be located within 200’ of any municipal water supply while Indiana State statutes require a setback of 100’. According to the St. Joseph County Health Department, the 100’ setback applies in this case and the Department has verified this in writing. The branch library parking lot, therefore, can be located almost anywhere on the site so long as the drywells for its parking lot are located on the far west side of the lot near Michigan Street. If the parking is located on the east side of the lot within less than 100 feet of the pumping station, then drains will have to run to the drywells on the west side of the lot, beyond the 100’ setback. This probably means that the building cannot be located close to Michigan Street. Further investigations and discussions with the County Health Department will need to take place and Schematic Design drawings will have to be approved by the Health Department before detailed drawings and specifications are done.

A Request For Proposals for a site survey and a geotechnical investigation are now being prepared and the Library will award contracts in September 2005.

The surrounding community to the north, south and west is predominately businesses along N. Michigan Street and predominately single-family residences to the east of the site.

The library name sign should be in a dominant position, well illuminated, highly visible to passing motorists and perpendicular to Michigan Street (U.S. 31). It should be located on the ground level near the street and should be relatively maintenance-free and of sturdy construction. The top portion of the sign on both sides should say ST. JOSEPH COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY in large capital letters and under this in smaller lettering should appear the name of the branch (e.g. Lakeville Community Branch). The exterior sign should follow the theme of SJCPL’s other branches, but should be larger than the sign currently at the Francis Branch. The sign should be a design that offers changeable text to inform the passing patrons of services, programs, etc. Unlike the Centre Township sign, this sign should not have continuously moving font or images, as this may be too much of a distraction to drivers on a very busy highway. An electronic sign that can be changed from inside the library by means of a computer may be considered as an alternate. This sign could use vivid colors and messages could change every few minutes.

Adequate signs identifying the patron parking lot, including entrance and exit signs, the main entry to the library building, the library book and audio-visual materials drop box, and the public meeting room should also be highly visible and of sturdy, maintenance-free construction.

Provide outside the main entry a weatherproof, outdoor, wall-mounted, changeable letter board directory with a lockable tempered or acrylic safety glass door, an illuminated name header and frame, for the purpose of displaying hours of service and a brief message.

The building should complement and enhance the surrounding community. The form should offer an inviting and "homey" feeling to the patron. The exterior appearance should be aesthetically pleasing without sacrificing interior and functional needs.

Today the modern community public library works best as a single story, open building with a minimum of structural partitions and maximum visual control. Maximum openness and visual control can help staff the facility much more effectively and economically. The building is a one-time cost, but the staffing, maintenance, and operation costs are on-going, yearly budget items that are constantly increasing.

Design and materials in the building should be planned in such a way as to keep maintenance costs at a minimum. Choice of all materials should be appropriate to optimize maintenance and durability. Use quality wall coverings. Except for utility or mechanical rooms, there should be no raw concrete block walls. Interior and exterior wall coverings are to be approved by the Owner.

Outside feel: The planning team has recommended that the new Lakeville Community Branch have a “lakefront feeling,” the look and feel of a lake community, and yet have a strong civic presence. Some of the descriptors used by team members included “many textures,” “prairie-style,” “lake front,” “water features,” “warm,” “homey,” the “lakefront feel.” It also needs to be viewed as a “community gathering place.” A fireplace is desirable, lots of natural lighting, use natural materials, provide benches inside and outside, an informal courtyard, natural landscaping, moving water, auditory sounds of a lake, frogs, canopy trees defining outside spaces, etc. Other elements might include ornamental iron fencing and gates. Landscape arbors may also be appropriate here.

Access to the library from the parking lot was also desirable. Multi-use green space was also mentioned, (i.e., a lawn or open area that would allow the library to put up festival tents when Lakeville has its annual festival).

This building needs to be a landmark. The new branch should be a signature element along this highway in Lakeville. The theme or image that the planning team wants is “a lakefront experience.” The preferred Architectural styles included “shingle style” (http://ah.bfn.org/a/archsty/shing/) or the “craftsman style” (http://www.ragtime.org/arch/Arch_Craft.html).

The team also wanted nighttime illumination that would make the building stand out along U.S. 31. One asked that the use of color kinetic lighting systems (see website http://www.colorkinetics.com/ and others) be considered and used in some way, perhaps around and in any water elements for the landscape or in the sidewalks or patio or outside garden area, or for any special areas inside, such as the Teen Area.

This site may need to increase parking spaces to more than the 15 originally planned since our demographic studies indicate that many of the people who would be using the library do not live in the Town of Lakeville itself, but will probably drive to this branch. Although over 3,000 residents live in Union Township, slightly over 500 live in the Town of Lakeville. Monroe Street may be able to provide some additional curbside parking, if this is permissible by local ordnances.

Interior feel: The team again emphasized the “Lakefront feel” and that the interior needed to be very comfortable looking. There also needs to be a strong balance between comfort and tastefulness.

Other ideas that the team liked were: water features, a lakeside feeling through the use of subtle design elements that would impact all the senses. The architect suggested some possible ceiling treatments that might suggest “sails.” Another team member thought the interior should have a Disney country club resort look; another, the look of a small-scale lighthouse. The library should also have a courtyard with a pond and fountain that can be viewed from inside. The whole place should have a calming effect. It was also suggested that a water feature might run through the interior space, like a river or waterfall. This interior space needs to appeal to all the senses, even smell (e.g., a light aroma of mint might waft through its interior space at times). Tactile interior material was also mentioned.

As for window treatments, the team liked inset or bay windows with detailed wood treatment on the inside and for any built-ins or detailed niche spaces. Conservatory and playroom were two other terms mentioned. This needs to be experienced as a pleasant place to stay. Light quality was also considered to be very important. Provide lots of windows.

Somehow, however, this building needs to have a “civic presence” and the team struggled to bridge the civic nature (downtown) of the building with the homey lakefront feeling. The building needs to be more monumental than a cottage. Architectural features such as a bell tower or a clock tower were suggested for possibly achieving this “civic presence.” From a car driving along U.S. 31, the visitor might at first have a different feeling about the building until he/she approached the entrance on foot and got inside.

Comments that were common among all members of the planning team included: a water feature, attention to window treatment, use of natural materials (or natural-looking), a courtyard, traditional cottage look (not modern), historical elements with a civic feeling, bridge the old and new, balancing formal with informal.

A hip or gable roof is preferred. If any kind of pitched roof is used, accumulated snow and ice should not threaten those passing on the sidewalks, especially at the entrances and along paths leading to handicapped parking. Design and insulation of the roof should be such as to obviate any need for energy-consuming, electrical heat cables, except where they are absolutely necessary.

Roof overhang (or some method) should be provided to shade south, east and west exposures of the building during the hot summer months, but take advantage of the sun's natural warmth during the winter months. Roof overhang should not be too deep.

The team agreed that there would be no drive-under canopy to drop people off or to deposit books in a book drop as we have done at the Centre Township Branch, but there should be some provision for people waiting to be picked up to be protected from the elements. Some seating should also be provided.

One drive-up drop box (weight-adjusting, spring-bottom) separate from the building is to be provided for the return of books, magazines, and audio-visual materials. Locate this box on the left side of a drive for drive-up access by the driver, but locate it close to the building to discourage theft of or damage to materials. The ideal is to be able to drop off materials while in the car from the window of the car on the driver’s side.

The book drop box need to be located as close to the building as is possible and practical for easy access by staff when emptying the book drop, especially because of the bad weather and snow in our area.

Except for emergency exits where required by code, there should be no rear staff entry/exit door or deliveries. Staff prefers one entry/exit door for security, the same door used by the public, the staff, and for all deliveries.

As stated above, this library should be viewed as the new “community gathering place” and “the lakefront experience” and have a homelike setting with lots of natural light. Bring the outside inside through windows & landscaping. Provide a gas fireplace for people to gather around, but not a stove (safety issues). Fireplace should have controls and a heating element that are not accessible to patrons in any way. Use lighter colors. Detailing of woodwork is important, but should not be overstated. The space needs to have a sense of home. Use curved lines, gables, but be subtle and distinctive - the new “community gathering place” at the lakefront.

Conservation of energy is also of primary importance. Highly energy efficient and effective lighting, ventilating motors, and other energy consumers must be considered. The use of natural light through well-insulated, weatherproof, well-designed and durable windows needs to be considered.

Energy consumers should be the most reliable and the most energy efficient units available. Use of natural light and passive solar and geothermal energy are encouraged as well as the effective use of natural, renewable energy.

The building's interior space should be barrier free to give equal access to all patrons. Strive for an open concept that provides maximum supervision with a limited number of staff. If the architect uses any columns, they should not obstruct the view, especially from the Public Service Help desk.

The use of load bearing walls should be confined to the outside walls and those that enclose utility areas such as heating and air-conditioning equipment and toilets. Non-bearing walls should be potentially movable for maximum flexibility in any future-remodeling attempt. A minimum of corridors and interior walls should be incorporated to maximize the net to gross square feet ratio.

Flow and relationship of spaces are most critical to good efficient library operation and economy in both construction design and operation. See Relationship Diagrams #1 and #2 below in this document.

The interior arrangement and design should allow maximum supervision of the public areas. It should also provide minimum walking for staff. The public area of the library's interior should have the appearance of one large room with freestanding, double-faced book stacks, no higher than 66”, used to separate the different areas. The inside surfaces of the exterior walls should be free of pilasters to allow uninhibited arrangement of multiple shelf wall sections (3' to 4’ wide, 84” tall). Eliminate or avoid as many sills, ledges, and other dust collecting surfaces as possible.

Careful coordination of the interior design and furniture is important. The interior design is a major determinant in the continuing maintenance costs of the building. The building environment includes not only architectural details, but also the colors and textures of walls, floors, casework, furniture and equipment and their arrangement. It is important to arrange furniture to promote the smooth flow of traffic through the library and to maximize supervision. Computer terminal catalogues or clusters of carrels must not interfere with visual supervision of a lounge or table and chair area; seating should be conveniently related to shelving areas, but not interfere with the movement of book trucks.

The on-line computer terminal catalogues, automated book and AV material returns, and self-checkout terminals must be located conveniently for the person entering and leaving the library. They must be conveniently located for the staff on the floor as well. Access is the key word for all concerned!

Provide adequate acoustical treatment, varied ceiling heights, but minimize or eliminate extremely high ceilings.

Provide plenty of electrical outlets and Ethernet connections with cabling throughout for computer and audio-visual equipment, as well as cleaning equipment. Floor outlet(s) or wall outlet(s) should be provided at carrels and tables where desktop and laptop computers or A-V equipment would be used. Electrical outlets and Ethernet connections should be incorporated into the top surfaces of tables with hidden, but easily accessible wire management systems under the tables.

Load-bearing capacity of the floor needs to be 150 pounds / square foot wherever shelving and collections are located.

Carpeting is to be used throughout, except in lavatories, entrance and vestibule, mechanical rooms, storage rooms, storage closets. Material, color and pattern of the carpet must be easily maintained and should not show dirt or wear easily. A "main street" theme can be incorporated into the carpet pattern to reinforce traffic flow and unique areas of the library. Consider using carpeting with “Everset” technology for stain resistance and easy cleaning of spills and winter moisture.

Consider wood borders around carpet. Farmhouses typically have wide wood plank floors with area rugs.

Lay carpeting over all the floor area before installing any shelving units so that these units sit on top of the carpeting and can be moved, if need be.

Bare cement floors in the mechanical and storage rooms are to be sealed to prevent dust.

If carpet is used in front of the Help Desk for acoustical qualities, it should be a style that is easily replaceable, i.e. carpet tile, different color, etc. Clear static-free vinyl mats are to be provided on carpeted areas where stand-up public terminals are located.

Do not mount the air conditioning unit on the roof unless it can be protected from the elements in its own room. Roof mounted units create maintenance and repair problems.

A heating system that will provide a constant level of heat, such as hot water heating, rather than a heat that fluctuates, is highly desirable. The heating system must not obstruct walls and limit the flexibility of furniture and shelving against the walls. Thermostats should not be located on furniture. The number of thermostats should be kept to a minimum and should be the most energy efficient, reliable design available. Day and night settings to automatically reduce energy consumption when the building is not occupied must be considered. All thermostats in the public area should also have security covers. Consider the practicality of a heat pump in this climate to reduce energy consumption.

Both the heating and air-conditioning should NOT be complex systems. Well-known, highly reliable and reputable companies that have local maintenance and service outlets should manufacture the equipment.

  It is desirable to be able to monitor these systems remotely from the Main Library's computerized energy management system. Use a system that is compatible with the energy management system currently being used at the Main Library (Siebe Environmental Controls Digital Management System).

A consultant selected and retained by the Library will develop technology and communications requirements throughout the facility. The consultant will then coordinate this information with the architect/engineer to facilitate specification and procurement.

Well-distributed lighting should be adequate and attractive, but should NOT be excessive or overdone. Fixtures should be energy-efficient and easily maintained with standard replacement parts and bulbs or tubes that the library currently stocks. Quality is more important than intensity. Include task lighting as needed.

Provide emergency lighting in case of power failures, for staff areas as well as library proper in accordance with local and State codes.

Lighting in the stack areas should be placed to facilitate adequate lighting from the top to the bottom shelves.    Lighting style and location should consider placement of public catalogue and computer terminals. Glare at these locations should be reduced as much as possible.

Floodlights on the ground are to be encased in vandal-proof metal boxes with lexan or a similar shatterproof transparent lens. Those lights that are mounted on the building should be high enough to be out of easy reach. An adjustable, automatic timer should control all exterior lights, including the parking lot lights.

Provide a painted washable finish in utility areas. Restroom walls should be tiled and have dark colored grout. Provide a washable vinyl wall cover in all public service areas other than as listed above. Vinyl wall coverings should not be deeply textured, as this tends to pick up accumulated dust and dirt.

Color coordinated corner guards should be installed on all corners that are susceptible to being nicked by book trucks and other equipment. Heavy-duty stainless steel corner guards should be installed in utility or passage areas where repetitive movement with book carts or heavy equipment is likely.

Large glass areas are a cleaning and maintenance problem and they may also require drapes, which must periodically be dry-cleaned. Do not use drapes anywhere. The introduction of natural light into the building is desirable, but sunlight should not shine directly on books and audio-visual materials, which are sensitive to light and heat. Electrically operated shades for any high skylights might be considered, but try to use architectural means to control sunlight. Use natural wood and pay close attention to detailing and the principles contained in book A Pattern Language, by Christopher Alexander (website: http://www.patternlanguage.com/).

"Bring the Outdoors In" with selected windows in the adult and children's areas that incorporate window seats or recessed window bays to offer views and a relaxed, private reading environment. Provide windows that can be opened in case of air-conditioning failure or during spring and fall when natural outside air can be used to ventilate the building. A large central roof or attic exhaust fan might be used to draw air through the windows and thereby keep the building ventilated on mild days.

While large windows furnish passing public with the widest view of the library, the exterior use of glass is a breakage hazard, a security problem, a maintenance expense, and an energy concern. Glare, heat loss and the fact that large windows take up shelving space should be taken into consideration. The windows should be the most energy efficient and maintenance free available and ventilating window sections should be included to provide comfort during the fall and spring months when heating or air-conditioning may not be required, or when air-conditioning failures occur. All opening windows should be equipped with removable screens.

If skylights are used, they must be very well insulated, leak-resistant (this cannot be stressed enough), and capable of being shaded when direct sunlight is a problem.    Do not use skylights on any portion of the roof that has a low pitch! With any high clerestory windows, use low “E” insulated triple glazing.

Various areas require different levels of security. Offices and other internal areas may be secured by locks with individual keys or with electronic security system keys, such as proximity cards or devices that are user identifiable and computer controlled. However, all of these, including entrances, may be opened by the use of a single master key or electronic device.

If a computer controlled card access system is not used, a combination device, such as a Simplex 1000 Series Access Control, should be installed on the main entrance and on one emergency exit. The system must have the capability for management to easily change the combinations when necessary.

The building alarm system should include door sensors on all exterior doors except for the front entrance due to this door being used by patrons using the Public Meeting Room after hours. That sensor should be on the interior Vestibule doors into the library. There should also be a sensor on the door from the meeting room into the library. Motion sensors should cover all walls with windows. The system used should be compatible with what is currently being used throughout the library system, such as an ADT Focus 75 Security System. The touchpad to arm or disarm the alarm system should be directly inside of the main entrance and one of the emergency exits.

The security system at the main entrance will also include the 3M Book Theft Detection System (or a similar system) that the library uses to monitor library books and audio-visual materials to insure that they are properly checked out by patrons and staff. 3M security posts and gates must be at least 3 feet from any objects containing metal (e.g., metal door frames, waste paper baskets, steel shelving, computers).

The security system will also include at least one security camera near or at the inside area of the Vestibule entrance, with remote monitoring from the Staff Workroom and from Security Services at the Main Library, similar to the installations at other SJCPL branches. The security camera system at this branch initially will have only one camera monitoring the inside area of the front door, but must be capable of handling up to four (4) cameras that may include coverage both inside and outside the building. The security computer, monitor and keyboard will be located in the Staff Workroom.

The public drinking fountain is to be located in the tiled Vestibule and not inside the carpeted area of the library. The water fountain should be located in such a position and at such a height as to make it easily accessible to the handicapped.

Telephones should be in the Staff Lounge, Staff Workroom and at the Public Service Desk. Provide a separate line in the Staff Workroom for staff to call before the branch opens in case of emergency. Cordless phones are preferred, but a regular “land line” should be available in case of power outages. There will be no public phone in this building.

Provide an intercom system and public announcement system for the building, controlled from the Staff Workroom.

The basic requisite for organic plant selection is low maintenance cost. Provide attractive planted areas with easily maintainable native plants, as needed to enhance the appearance of the building. No annuals should be used.

Other elements may include ornamental iron fencing and gates. Landscape arbors may also be considered.

Plantings should be selected which will not injure or limit maintenance of building. Hawthorns and other thorn-like trees and shrubs should be avoided. Plantings should be selected and arranged in a manner that will not jeopardize the safety of those entering and leaving the building by providing concealment for would-be assailants. To this end, landscaping should include adequate lighting to increase ease of access and the safety of pedestrian entering from adjacent sidewalks and parking lot. Also, landscaping should be positioned to enhance views from inside the building.

Grasses, lily pads, should all blend to the highway, acting as a buffer between the noise of the highway and the building and its entrance – a visual acoustic screening. Consider the experiences and comments about nature expressed by the focus groups when they talked about the new Centre Township Branch. The entrance gardens and water elements and small bridge at Centre cause people to linger as they come in. The Library’s gardener has added a winding path through the Butterfly Garden at Centre that was not there when the branch opened but now causes people to stop and enjoy the garden as they move toward the entrance to the building. These experiences set the tone or feel of the building before one ever reaches its interior.

Provide an underground irrigation system in the lawn area and planting beds. Landscaping should also be used to buffer highway traffic noise.

If gravel or stone is used in planting beds, it should be small enough to be incapable of breaking a window if thrown. Mulch made from synthetic, but natural looking, materials is preferable to gravel or stone.

Drywells will be provided to retain storm water from the parking lot, walks, and roof. Because of the 100 ft. setback requirement for proximity to a municipal drinking water well, all drywells must be at least 100 ft from the east property line of this site. It may be possible to drain to a pond and create an ecological system for the run-off water from the parking lot. A pond, however, may present a safety problem for children. It could also be a dry riverbed with plants.

A re-circulating water element located near the building should be an attractive feature whether or not the water is flowing. Provide special lighting for attractive night viewing. The use of color kinetic lighting systems (see website http://www.colorkinetics.com/ and others) be considered and used in some way, perhaps around and in any water elements for the landscape or in the sidewalks or patio or outside garden area. On this site other options may include a pond or wetland. Cost and maintenance will impact the feasibility of this however.

Property that is not used for building or paved areas may include natural landscaping and/or a four-season garden.

An outdoor reading area will provide the patron with various environments for reading and relaxation. Small group activities able to accommodate about 15 to 20 people could also be held in this courtyard. Security and visual control of this area is important. This area should be attractive for use by both adults and children. Provide some shaded areas with benches.

The library’s Gardener/Horticulturist will be included in the planning of the landscape design and the selection of plantings.

If there is a curb, there is to be a curb cut, or ramp, for easy access for the handicapped.

A canopy or "portico" will provide weather protection for the public entrances, but this is not to be a drive-through canopy for vehicles. Seating for people as they wait to be picked up should be provided. The public entry doors should be the double door vestibule type to prevent drafts and to minimize heat or air-conditioning loss. These doors will be equipped with automatic openers and sensors. Use single doors at air lock vestibule. Exit width should not be an issue.”

The library's entrance, and the area immediately surrounding it, is one of primary importance involving a number of special considerations and must be inviting. The first impression sets the expectation of what is inside the building, so, the entrance and approach to the entrance is very important. This is critical to enhance the “WOW” factor. To be effective, the entrance must bear a proper relationship to both the exterior and the interior of the building. It should be inviting and easily reached and be near the area of greatest street activity. Once inside the door, it should be easy for the patron to orient him/herself to the major areas of the library. A clearly defined, well-designed entry is essential. This single main entry serves pedestrians from both the street and the parking lot and serves both the adult and children's areas of the library.

There should be a strong relationship to parking and to easy access from the street. The transition from the street and/or parking area sets the immediate tone. Walking distance from parked cars to the library entrance should be kept minimal since many people carry comparatively heavy and awkward loads of books and other library materials. Benches should be located under the canopy for patrons who are waiting to be picked up. Trash receptacles should also be provided in this area. Any exterior furnishings (chairs, tables, rockers, trash receptacles) need to be secured in some way to discourage theft.

Security is also essential. All hardware must be sturdy to resist heavy abuse and entry doors require proper and substantial locking mechanisms on both sets of doors. These entrances should be well lighted.

All the materials used in exterior sidewalks, or parking entry and exterior walls, should be appropriate to complement the building's architectural features. Changing texture or materials may be used to differentiate the parking drives from the pedestrian areas.

Because of the lack of a regular custodian at this location, a portion of the sidewalk leading into the library might be heated for snow removal.

Parking for 15 to 20 (possibly more) automobiles is desired, including the minimum of handicap spaces required by code. Provide additional parking if local ordinances so require, including handicap spaces in accordance with local and County codes. Street or sidewalk parking along Monroe Street and off the dirt road on the eastside of the site should be considered, if additional parking is needed and if local ordnances allow. Entrances to and from the parking lot will probably be on the north side on Monroe Street.

Provide rubberized asphalt for the parking lot paving (local examples: Martin’s parking lot at Erskine Village).

Locate the parking lot where it can be seen from the library work areas and main entrance, keeping in mind that walking distances from the parking lot to the library entrance should be kept minimal. Provide separate entrance and exit lanes, if possible. The lot should be brightly lighted at night to prevent or restrict vandalism and criminal acts. The lighting is NOT to be complex fixtures, but standard fixtures that can be easily replaced and maintained (both lens and lights). Light poles should be mounted on concrete bases of adequate height to protect from vehicles. Lighting should be complimentary to the building style.

The design of the parking area should render maximum safety for pedestrians and bicycle movement. It is desirable that a patron can exit his/her car and walk to the entrance of the library with minimal contact with vehicular parking or traffic lanes. This is especially important for children and the elderly. The patron should be able to see the front door of the library from his/her car when parked in the parking lot.

Also keep in mind that the location of handicapped parking in relation to the front door and the pathway from the handicapped parking leading to that door. Avoid the problem where snow slides off the front canopy onto the path the handicapped and the public must use to get to the front door, effectively blocking the sidewalk.

Leave a few small strips for some plants and an occasional tree to make the parking lot esthetically pleasing. Illuminate grassy islands in the parking lot. The parking lot should allow for ease of snow removal and be sloped appropriately for water drainage and safety of patrons. Speed bumps may also be provided if desired for traffic control.

The vestibule should welcome the patron to the Library and provide an invitation to discover what the Library has to offer.

Plants, benches, displays should provide the sense of welcoming. Directories, bulletin boards, display cases and visual interest should offer discoveries.

The Vestibule should be located adjacent to the Public Meeting Room. It should be possible to lock off the Vestibule, meeting room, and public restrooms from the rest of the building’s interior in order that meetings can be held when the library itself is closed. As patrons using the meeting room leave the building after library hours, the exterior door can be set to lock automatically behind them.

Just inside the inner door of the Vestibule the library will have security gates or posts with audible alarms that detect 3M Tattle-Tape security strips or radio frequency circuits (RFID) in books and other library materials that have not been properly checked out. At the present time, SJCPL is using the 3M Tattle-Tape security systems that employ magnetic strips that are attached to library materials. These magnetic strips are deactivated when materials are checked out by staff or by the self-checkout machines when an item is checked out. The 3M security posts that read these magnetic strips will need to be installed inside the library in the path of the first set of doors to the Vestibule. To function properly, 3M requires its security posts be at least three (3) feet from any objects containing metal (e.g., metal door frames, waste paper baskets, steel shelving, computers).

Occupancy based on final square footage of the building spaces will determine quantities of water closets, urinals, sinks and mirrors per building code.

Restrooms need to be as welcoming as the rest of the building. They do not need to be very expensive looking, but quality of materials and use of colors and textures are important to give them an “at home” feeling. They should not be utilitarian or institutional looking or have very bright lights. Restroom should continue the theme of building.

These public restrooms will be small, single-person restrooms that should not require any partitions, unless code requires more than one stall. Restrooms also lead by a far margin those areas subject to vandalism. Design space and specify equipment adapted to the avoidance of or resistance to vandalism. Walls should be tiled and should have a dark colored grout and sealed. Countertops shall be constructed of durable, easily maintained and vandal resistant materials. Restrooms should be well ventilated and adequately lighted. Use paper towel dispensers as well as blowers. They should be heated and air-conditioned like the rest of the building; don’t try to save energy here.

Consider installing motion activated light switches in restrooms. When there is no activity for a specified about of time, lights go off and go back on when someone enters.

Consider using either the Staff Lounge or the Staff Workroom as a storm shelter for staff and public by installing a pull-down metal screen at the windows (hidden in the suspended ceiling) or constructing all the restrooms (the staff restroom as well) so that they could all serve as storm shelters during weather emergencies.

Attention to detailing, use of natural wood, different kinds of lighting able to be adjusted for different functions and different feelings are all-important. Stackable chairs that are attractive and comfortable. Quality.

Flexibility is essential for this room. Lighting, seating, technology, etc. should offer many options for how this space can be used. Lighting should offer various levels of illumination and controls need to be located at the front and rear of the room. Windows into this room need to be able to be darkened. Accommodation for a portable puppet stage should be considered for children's programs.

Provide an outside entrance (or opening into Vestibule) and an interior door to main interior area of the library.   Entrance or access to public restrooms without having to travel through the public area of the library is required. This room should be located so that it can be locked off from the rest of the interior of the building and used, along with the Public Restrooms, when the rest of the library is closed.

Teens could use meeting room for quiet study. This could be place for Local History photographs or something honoring the history of the area. Consider having a window into the public area.

This room will also serve as a room for children's story hours, book talks, movie and slide programs, exhibits and displays.

This closet should be large enough to store on their dollies all the chairs, folding tables, and A-V equipment when they are not being used. Provide several shelves - 5" off the floor - 16-1/2”deep. The closet should have solid wide or double doors with a lock. Provide a light with a convenient switch.

The combined space of the Adult, Teen, and Children’s areas should comprise one large, open and highly visible public area that is easily viewed from the Public Service Help Desk and Self-Help Stations and from which patrons can see the Help Desk, the Self-Help Stations, and the Vestibule or entrance. All of this public service space should have within it the following equipment and furnishings:

The Adult Area should provide direct access to the Staff Workroom and should be visually connected to the Public Service Help Desk, Self-Checkout, and Self-Return Stations. A view to the outside courtyard should be provided.

Adults can enjoy and relax in an informal reading/snack area, which will feature a fireplace and various styles of seating and lighting. Current newspapers and magazines may be located near this area. Chairs and tables offering a mixture of sizes and comfort will be lighted with lamps or similar lights which create "pools of light" attracting patrons to this area. Consider designing a portion of this space to be adjacent to the self-service café with refreshments allowed.

Music is very important to the patrons in the Lakeville community and one display case and bookshelf is not quite enough to meet the demands for the best and hottest music. Provide at least 2 CD display cases and a small rack for the newest releases.

Technology is important in Lakeville. Many people still do not have access to the Internet, but more and more folks are going online

Gallery or display space should be considered near the fireplace or any lounge area to display art, programs, projects etc. and hopefully inspire patrons to become involved and aware of what the library has to offer.

The Adult Area should include a “teen” area. This should be a defined space within the adult area, not in the children’s area. This can be defined by special shelving for teen books and magazines, by the décor, a change in the carpeting, or could be an alcove or bay window area treated in a special way. The area should have its own look that is attractive to teens (ages 12-18) as well as adults.

Include in the Adult Area the display for book sale items, displays for new materials and literature. Computers may be placed on locked down moveable carts. The children's and adult computers can be combined. . Ideally, children’s computers should be in children’s area, separate from adults.

The Adult and Teen computers, online catalogue and online reference areas are part of this space.

The Children's area should have direct access to the main entrance and should be planned so that children do not have to go through the Adult area to get there. The area should be somewhat separated from the Adult area and be in full view of the Public Service Help Desk. A view to the outside courtyard or patio should be provided.

The Children's area should have a "theme" which is consistent throughout the space from the furnishings to the finishes. Carpeting patterns, wall murals, and accent lighting should be provided to reinforce this theme. Other attractions for the children's area might be a globe or an aquarium that offers a safe but non-interactive water feature.

Try to place this area in an acoustically isolated corner where voices will not be disturbing and with comfortable seating and warm floor carpeting. Plan the scale of the area so that it is inviting and friendly to children.

Shelving for library materials (in both adult and children’s areas) will be 66” for self-standing, double-sided units with 4’0” aisles between units, and 82” for single-sided, wall mounted units. The existing collection size will remain, but provide enough additional shelving in this new branch to allow for 20% growth (see Material Collection Shelving Needs below). Use Barnes & Noble display-type fixtures for face-out shelving, especially for New Books and all Audio-Visual materials.

The Public Service Help Desk and Self-Service Stations should be within 12 to 20 feet from the Vestibule. This area is intended to be the public service area where the patron can help him/herself or seek help from a staff member at the Public Service Help Desk. The area will present one staff-assistance Help Desk and several Self-Service Stations. These stations should all be in close proximity to one another and should also be close to the Staff Workroom. The objective is to make the patron entering the building feel welcome and aware that staff help is easily and readily available, but also feel empowered to perform functions that ordinarily would be performed by a staff member.

Public Service Help Desk: Provide one (1) Public Service Help Desk with a staff computer capable of performing all library functions and services (on-line reference and information searching, directional help, staff assisted retrieval of materials from the collections, checkout and check-in of library materials, fine and fee payments by cash, check or credit card, library card registration, renewal or replacement). Locate the Help Desk not more than 20 feet from the inside door of the Vestibule. The Help Desk should be compact but large enough to accommodate two staff members when busy. Its location should be directly in front of the Staff Workroom. The desk should provide a small ready-reference collection either behind the desk or to its side on a cart with wheels for easy movement. The desk also answers all patron telephone requests.

The Public Service Help Desk should allow visual supervision of Self-Return Station, Self-Checkout Stations, Self-Registration/Fines & Fees Payment Station as described below. It should also provide easy lines of sight into the Adult, Teen and Children’s areas, the Vestibule and outdoor courtyard. The idea is to give maximum visual control with minimum staff. The top of the Help Desk should have two levels: a standing height level and a sit-down level for service to children and the handicapped, similar to the reference desk at the Centre Township Branch Library, but smaller.

Self-Returns Station: To one side of the Public Service Desk, accessible to the public and within a few feet of the inside front door, provide one (1) Self-returns Station and receipt printer for public use, with a return slot or wall opening that accepts the returned materials. The Self-Returns computer, its receipt printer, and its return slot should back up to the Staff Workroom. It should also be close to the Public Service Help Desk. This station should be on one’s right upon entering the building since studies show that people entering a building have a tendency to look and move to the right.

The Self-Returns Station should be far enough away from the Vestibule so that the patron has time to orient him/herself upon entering the building and can see the Self-Returns Station to the right, the Public Service Help Station directly ahead (and possibly also to the right, the Self-Checkout Stations to the left, and the open public space beyond with its New Book display, book and A-V shelving, etc.

Self-Checkout Stations: Provide a Self-Service Checkout Counter, or stations, with two (2) Self-Checkout computers and receipt printers for public use. These should be to one’s left when entering the library from the Vestibule and opposite the Self-Return Station.

The Self-Checkout Stations are to be part of the main public area and should not be located in a separate room. The public restrooms and the drinking fountain in the Vestibule area should be in sight of these stations. Proximity to workroom should be efficient and visually connected. The Public Service Help Desk needs to be near the Self-Checkout Stations for one staff member to assist people at the machines and to handle other circulation functions such as library card registration problems, overdue problems, check-in and sorting of returned material, reserves, etc.

Self-Registration/Fine & Fee Payments Station: Provide one (1) Self- Registration/Fine & Fee Payments computer station for public use. This self-service station will allow patrons to register for a library card, pay fines and fees using a credit card, and receive a receipt for such transactions. The Station should provide some privacy for the patron transacting any business. This self-service station should be a short distance from the Public Service Help Station.

The Self-Checkout Stations and the Self-Registration/Fine & Fee Payment Station should be modular in construction so that, if needed, they can be assembled in new configurations or have additional units added to them in the future.

The 96 to 108 sq. ft. is that area occupied by the cabinetry and the patron space in front of it. For this area to function properly, additional area is required in front of the cabinetry for queuing and general patron circulation.

To have an idea of the space requirements and possible physical setups for self-checkout (and self-return – see below Staff Workroom) computers and equipment that are currently on the market and that have recently been installed in other public libraries, the architect should review the models and examples of such installation at the following vendor websites:

SJCPL has also provided engineering drawings of an installation at a small branch at the Queens Public Library in New York, an automated self-return sorter, provided by Tech Logic Corp. (http://www.tech-logic.com/).

MATERIAL COLLECTION SHELVING REQUIREMENTS
– ADULT, TEEN, & CHILDREN

LAKEVILLE HOLDINGS - JULY 2005
	Current	Actual w/ Inventory Reduction	Projected 20% growth	Projected minus circ	Items per linear ft.	Linear ft. needed for new LKV

TOTAL COLLECTION	11,750		14,100	12,690

NEW ARRIVALS						36

AD.FIC	1,592	1,503	1,803	1,443	8	180

AD. PB	752	710	852	767	11	70
TEEN	79	75	89	81
AD. NON-FIC	1,805	1,704	2,045	1,840	8	230

PIC BK	1,314	1,240	1,488	1,191	15	228
BEG/EASY	494	466	560	448
JUV FIC/GENRES	941	888	1,066	853
JUV NF	1,022	965	1,158	926

VIDEOS	696	657	788	473	10	228
DVDS	805	760	912	547
CDS (AD & J)	1,530	1,444	1,733	1,040
AUDIOBKS	168	159	190	114
JUV AUDIO	156	147	177	106

Misc	94	89	106	96

MAGS (Adult & Juv.)	1,001	945	1,134	1,021
(See # of titles below.)
TOTAL ITEMS:	12,449	11,752	14,102	10,944

MAG TITLES	61		73		1	73
TOTAL LINEAR FEET						1,045
CURRENTLY IN CIRC	1,100	9.4%

% IN CIRC	9.4%

Circ projections are as follows:
	Non-print - 40%
	Fiction - 20%
	Juvenile - 20%
	Non-Fiction - 10%

Load-bearing capacity of the floor needs to be 150 pounds / square foot to hold weight of the shelving and collections.

For adult, teen, and children shelving, the library has typically used several steel shelving companies. For the Centre Township Branch, the library used Montel, Inc. (http://www.montel.com/) but had this shelving bid through a company out of Chicago, Meilahn Manufacturing Company (5900 W. 65th Street, Chicago, IL 60638). Meilahn has made custom face-out shelving, cabinet work, wood end panels for library stacks, etc. for SJCPL in the past but also has sub-contracted for steel shelving it does not manufacture. Meilahn, for example, subcontracted with Montel for the Centre Township Library steel shelving.

For Audio-Visual furnishings and shelving, the library has most recently used LIFT (www.liftonline.com/fix/fix.html) of Vienna, Austria, for its face-out displays in Sights & Sounds at the Main Library.

Some other vendors used by the library for items such as computer tables include Bretford (http://www.bretford.com/) for computer tables, A-V carts, screens, furnishings, and Egan Visual (http://www.egan.com/) has also provided similar equipment, furnishings and wall display systems such as those used in the library’s meeting rooms.

Copies of the catalogs of these companies and others used by SJCPL can be provided by SJCPL. A complete list of equipment & sizes that the library has used in the past can also be provided.

The vended café & snack area should be located so that the seating area can "spill over" into the informal seating area of the Adult Area. Views to the outdoors are desirable.

An outside vendor will provide and maintain the automated machines in the café area, offering hot and cold beverages and pre-packaged foods that hopefully will be both healthy and best sellers. The noise generated by the automated dispensing machines needs to be shielded from the library proper.

Only snacks and beverages will be provided (no hot food or items that have a short shelf life. There will be room for a few café style tables and chairs here.

Space should be designed to be flexible with minimal space being taken from the library proper. Select finishes that are appropriate for this area such as laminated hardwood or tile flooring, non-upholstered seating, etc.

Space should be provided for storing a broom/dustpan or dust buster and cleaning cloths so the staff does not have to keep running to the Custodian’s closet.

The Staff Workroom should be located directly to the left or adjacent to the Public Service Help Desk and the Self-Return Station area, separated by a partition and window. This workroom also contains the Customer Service Specialist’s workstation. It should also be within view of the Adult and Children’s areas of the library. Easy access to the main entry door from this workroom is also highly desirable for the delivery and pick up of boxes, books, etc., all of which will be coming through and going out the main entry door. The workroom should provide adequate space for 2 semi-enclosed workstations (including the Customer Service Specialist’s workstation) for staff and one volunteer worktable. Originating point for PA system announcements and controls for any interior and exterior electronic signs should be located in this room.

In addition, provide a mending work area. This should include a carefully planned workspace (laminate counter with knee holes, various size drawers, shelves and closed cupboard).

The Staff Workroom should also back up to the automated Self-Return Station for returning library materials. If configured in this manner, the Staff Workroom could house an automated self-return sorter similar to the units provided by Tech Logic Corp. (http://www.tech-logic.com/)

Customer Service Specialist’s Workstation and Staff Workstation (square footage included in Staff Workroom)

The Customer Service Specialist’s workstation and the additional staff workstation will be semi-private office system workstations in the Staff Workroom. The Customer Service Specialist’s workstation will be larger, but both workstations will have the following:

The Staff Lounge should be removed and out of sight from the public area. A window to the exterior landscaping of the building and in close proximity to the Staff Workroom is desirable. Staff Lounge also needs to be a separate room, not included as part of the Staff Workroom.

The kitchen area should be small but well planned in terms of workspace. Staff should be able to prepare light meals in the kitchen area and eat in the Staff Lounge.

Near, but not in, the Staff Lounge should be one (1) Unisex Staff Restroom exclusively for the staff use. The staff restroom should be close to both the Staff Lounge and the Staff Workroom. It should be equipped with a wall-hung water closet, vanity type lavatory, mirror, paper towel dispenser, hand dryer, ventilator and floor drain. Walls and floor surfaces should be tiled attractively.

A telecommunication closet should be located near the workroom. The owner’s technology consultant will further define the requirements of this room.

The mechanical room will be located at the rear of the building or in a basement area.

Equipment would include the electrical, plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and ventilating components (some may have to be outside); air filtration unit, water heater and water softener/treatment units; small bulletin board, table and chair.

Provide wide door for easy installation of equipment. Door should be of solid construction and have a security dead-bolt lock.

Consider locating all mechanicals, custodial supplies and equipment in a partial basement to conserve space on the ground level. Basement might also be used for storage of seasonal library materials and supplies such as Holiday books and decorations. Shelving or lockable storage cabinets should be provided for these items. If a basement is included for these purposes, a mechanical lift will be needed large enough to move a standard book truck with books and other materials between the two levels.

The custodial closet should be located as near as possible to the Mechanical Equipment Room, if not in the room itself.

This should be near the front entrance, as at the Library’s four city neighborhood branches, for snow removal equipment, flammable liquids, and custodial supplies. This would be a fire-rated storage room for storing fuel and other flammable grounds-keeping equipment (or provide a fire-rated cabinet), which should include:

AREA SUMMARY
FUNCTION	Approx.Net Area	Possible Dimension
Vestibule Area (Main Entry)	90	9.5’ x 9.5’
Public Restrooms, (1 Men, 1 Women)	144	12’ x 12’ ea.
Public Meeting Room: (35 person max; 20 person typical)	324	18’ x 18’
Storage Room for Meeting Room	80	8’ x 10’
Adult Area	800	28’ x 29’
Children’s Area, (Including "Theme" area)	400	20’ x 20’
Vended Café Area	60	6’ x 10’
Self-Serve Circulation/Registration Area	96	8’ x 12’
Staff Workroom & Customer Service Specialist Office	256	16’ x 16’
Staff Lounge (including one restroom)	132	11’ x 12’
Telecommunications Room	16	2’ x 8’
Mechanical Room	100	10’ x 10’
Total Net (approximately 75% of gross)	2,498	75% of gross
Total Gross Square Footage:	3,331

A more liberal alternative brings net square footage to 3,000 sq. ft., gross to 4,000 sq. ft.:

AREA SUMMARY
FUNCTION	Approx. Net Area	Possible Dimension
Vestibule Area (Main Entry)	144	12’ x 12’
Public Restrooms, (1 Men, 1 Women)	144	8.5’ x 8.5’ each
Public Meeting Room: (__ person max; __ person typical)	400	20’ x 20’
Storage Room for Meeting Room	80	14’ x 5.7’
Adult Area	900	30’ x 30’
Children’s Area, (Including "Theme" area)	500	22.4’ x 22.4’
Vended Café Area	100	10’ x 10’
Self-Serve Circulation/Registration Area	108	9’ x 12’
Staff Workroom & Customer Service Specialist Office	300	17.3’ x 17.3’
Staff Lounge (including one restroom)	144	12’ x 12’
Telecommunications Room	16	2’ x 8’
Mechanical Room	144	12’ x 12’
Total Net (approximately 75% of gross)	2,954	75% of gross
Total Gross Square Footage:	3,939