It is not surprising that the Library of Congress would be defined as our national monument of art given the scale of the project, its federal sponsorship, and its posture as a public library with access to all Americans. Paralleling the assumption of the Library of Congress as not merely a building for housing books but a ritualistic center of…

In this article, the author talks about The Trove, a children's space--library doesn't quite cut it--located in the White Plains Public Library, New York. Sandra Miranda, the library's director, came up with the idea for The Trove, although it took the work of many--from her staff to the architects to theatrical designers and fabrications--to…

Review of trends in public library buildings covers cycles in building activity; financial support; site selection; expansion, remodeling, or conversion of existing buildings; size of buildings; and such architectural concerns as flexible space, lighting, power, accommodation of computer systems, heat and ventilation, fire protection, security,…

Describes the eight libraries that are winners of the 1993 American Institute of Architects/American Library Association Library Buildings Awards and describes institutions' needs and building design. Facilities represented include university and public libraries, building expansions, historical renovations, a temporary structure, and a…

Discusses the importance of a well-designed library building as an important factor in creating social benefits and positive political responses in the community. The creation and implementation of design criteria for the Cleveland Public Library and the public response are described. (CHC)

Discusses security and safety issues for public libraries, especially high-profile central facilities, in light of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Highlights include inspecting bags as patrons enter as well as exit; the need for security guidelines for any type of disaster or emergency; building design; and the importance of communication.…

Discussion of Andrew Carnegie era in American public library history focuses on library buildings financed and built in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The building design which Carnegie developed, surviving Carnegie libraries in Philadelphia, procedures for obtaining a library, and comparison of architectural attractiveness of Carnegie libraries with…

Describes three examples of the adaptation of an existing structure to meet library needs in Pennsylvania--a supermarket in Brookville, a Victorian residence in Franklin, and a bank in Haverford Township--noting location considerations, architect assistance, and library usage. Illustrations provided include floor plans. (EJS)

Six articles discuss and illustrate new library facilities and furnishings. The winning libraries in the Library Buildings Awards Program, sponsored by American Institute of Architects (AIA) and American Library Association (ALA), are shown; two case studies of library renovation and design are presented; and the design for a new medical library…

The first universal library in history, the Alexandrian Library, was established in the fourth century B.C. in Greece and disappeared in the third and fourth centuries A.D., according to various accounts. In an attempt to preserve Egypt's historical heritage, the Egyptian government has decided to build a new library in its place--the Bibliotheca…

This special report on library facilities and furnishings focuses on restoration and renovation. Areas discussed include the status of the Carnegie libraries, the earthquake protection design of the new Alameda County (California) library, a successful effort to restore a historic library in Franklin, Massachusetts, and function and beauty in…

This publication describes the Andrew Heiskell Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, a regional library for the National Library Service (NLS) example of the creative use of physical space and innovative technology. The publication focuses on the materials-handling system designed for the new facility, including system design…

This annual review of library buildings focuses on new academic and public library buildings as well as additions and renovations. Library Buildings 2001 includes costs, book capacity, seating capacity, a six-year cost summary that includes fund sources, and a list of architects. (LRW)

This paper discusses the design of flexible and intelligent library buildings. The first section addresses how flexibility, as one of the requirements of a library building, that has high priority in the planning process. Intelligent libraries are considered in the second section, and functionality is stressed. The third section examines…

Describes outreach services at the Calgary Public Library, Canada which are designed to meet the needs of disabled and elderly patrons. Space requirements, library equipment, staffing, and services offered are discussed. Five references are listed. (EJS)