Library Renovation

Library Renovation for Today and Tomorrow

Public libraries exist to serve the community. They are an investment on behalf of library committees and the stakeholders they represent from business, education, and government. For these buildings to remain relevant throughout the 21^st century, committees have to keep up with the many changes we are undergoing in our society and technology. They also have to keep an eye on the big trends that are heading our way.

An aging building could kick off the renovation. Tired reading areas, poor lighting, air conditioning not up to par, out-of-date plumbing—these are signs that this public building is worn out.

Underlying these obvious problems are deeper concerns about how the building functions. Improved accessibility may be needed, for example, or there may be too much space relegated to one kind of research and not enough to another.

What the Patron Wants

And then there are changes in how the building is being used compared to the days when it was first built. Today’s reader is less likely to come in for a hardbound book, so less space may be devoted to bookshelves.

Updated buildings are being reconfigured to suit computer users.  New designs feature tables or carrels with sufficient wiring and good access to the internet. This may be a draw for patrons without a computer or those who need a quiet space to work outside of their home.  Once inside, they might look around at all the available resources and start to use the library in a more traditional way.

Achieving Its Purpose

The major upgrade often grows out of the programs the staff provides. In this case, the driving factor in library renovation is library services. These determine the library spaces.

Programs may call for a special reading room that accommodates dozens of children at a time, or study rooms for other community needs like adult learning.

The Look

Committees have to juggle all these concerns, but a huge need is to make the library so attractive that the community will start using it more. This requires thoughtful decisions about materials and lighting and openness of space that go beyond the simple use of the building over time.

On a past project that H2 worked on, we incorporated a green roof and exterior landscaping with bamboo and boulders  that could be visually enjoyed from the interior. 

A favorite public library from one of the architect’s childhood was a brutalist concrete structure with a circular ramp at the entrance for a child to run and play. Even then, she saw a library as more than a place to check out books. It was a well-conceived destination.

Keeping an Eye to the Future

Everything that’s done today happens with an eye to the future. So, while some people think we are already there, just because we’re integrating computer technology along with print matter, others point further out. Robotics, virtual reality, remote work, data science education, and the growing numbers of digital platforms—these all vie for the attention of modern readers. There’s no question about it. Tomorrow’s library committees are tracking all these trends very carefully. They are already making adjustments for each innovation.