Minneapolis has hosted a recent spate of library construction, including the renovation and addition to Hennepin County Library’s Nokomis Library, which reopened on April 30. The $6.9 million project added 4300 square feet to the original 1968 structure, bringing the total to 17,340 square feet. New amenities include 24 additional computers, for a total of 35 Internet-accessible machines; expanded children’s and teen’s sections; a refurbished collection of print and media items; and an interactive early literacy area. A multipurpose meeting room is now on the main level for easy patron access. Designed by DLR Group KKE, with general contractor Ebert, Inc., Nokomis features among its sustainable elements a geothermal HVAC system, high-efficiency light fixtures and sensors to control them, a storm water management system, maximum use of natural daylight, and native plantings.
April 30 marked also the reopening of the remodeled Newport Way Library of King County Library System, WA. The $2.5 million project enlarged the 7900 square foot structure by 790 square feet, for a total of 8690 square feet. Among the enhancements are a new covered entrance, a reading porch, a children’s window seat, a cedar shake roof, and a larger meeting room encompassing art from Pacific Northwest glass artists Stuart Keeler and Michael Machnic. The collection has grown by 6000 items, including books, DVDs, and CDs, with patrons also able to access over 50,000 downloadable ebooks. The design plan was led by architects Miller-Hull Partnership and funded through a $172 million bond measure approved in 2004.
Denver’s Anythink Perl Mack library, a member of Colorado’s Rangeview Library District, reopened on May 6, following a yearlong renovation that also added 1800 square feet to the 6,099 square foot building. At a cost of $1.6 million, the Humphries Poli Architects–designed library has among its new features a neighborhood entryway, a children’s pavilion, a teen zone, a computer lab, and an updated program space. Its green facets include geothermal heating and cooling, the incorporation of recycled materials, and a forthcoming community garden. Anythink Perl Mack is the final gem in the Anythink construction crown, which involved four new buildings and three renovations.
Compiled by Bette-Lee Fox
About Michael Kelley
Thank you for these updates. Our own library, Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library in Presque Isle, Maine, is also entering the final stages of a $1.7 million expansion and renovation. We are closing to foot traffic May 16 through May 22 to move our most crucial services from the current part to the new part so the current part can be renovated, but we are keeping electronic services running. Very busy time! Congratulations to all the other libraries out there going through upgrades as well. :)
Next door to Hennepin County, Dakota County reopened their Burnhaven branch in Burnsville, MN, on May 9th after a seven month renovation. Highlights include a computer lab and an actual Teen area, and an attached license center which will open later in the month.
Congratulations to all the upcoming building project completions. Please email press releases and pix of the finished libraries to blfox@mediasourceinc.com for inclusion in our Library Hotline newsletter. These projects will also be eligible for the December 2011 Library Journal annual Architectural Issue compilation of data on new and modeled/expanded public and academic libraries. Our website in the next few months will include information on how to submit info for the December issue.
Bis jetzt recht wenig los hier im Blogg werde mal später nochmals vorbei schauen in der Erwartung