In March 2014, the Center for an Urban Future documented an array of challenges and vulnerabilities resulting from the New York City's aging infrastructure in their "Caution Ahead" report (see ED555648). And it identified a minimum investment of $47.3 billion over the next five years to bring the city's core infrastructure to a state of…

Following the devastation of Superstorm Sandy in October 2012, New York City's essential infrastructure needs were made a top policy priority for the first time in decades. The scale and severity of the storm prompted numerous studies to assess the damage and led policymakers to take steps to shore up the city's coastal infrastructure weaknesses.…

Nearly two years ago, the Center for an Urban Future published "Branches of Opportunity," a report documenting that New York City's public libraries have become more vital than ever, and are serving more New Yorkers in more ways than ever before. This new report provides an exhaustive analysis of the libraries' capital needs and offers a…

The libraries featured in this article--all projects competed between July 1, 2009, and June 30, 2010--harmonize with and expand into their communities. Today's library is more than the mere sum of its parts. As evidenced by these 125 public library projects and 12 academic buildings, the thinking these days is for the library to harmonize with…

In the past three years, the Union County Carnegie Library (UCCL) in South Carolina has "been transformed." The library board, selected by the county supervisors, knew something had to be done. In October 2005, the board hired Nancy E. Rosenwald as UCCL director. Longing to get back to South Carolina from western Connecticut, Rosenwald…

A funny thing happened while the District of Columbia Public Library (DCPL), already suffering from deteriorated facilities and systems, slogged through stasis (and three interim directors) after the 2003 departure of Director Molly Raphael. Mayor Anthony Williams presided over the city's economic turnaround--or, some charged, cozied up to…

This description of the renovation of the youth services department of a public library covers planning, implementation, and such considerations as furniture delivery, utility lines, and publicity. Several recommendations for libraries considering major changes are offered, and one reference is listed. (MES)

Describes how the Chicago Public Library's Central Library building, an 80-year old building and an official city landmark, was converted into a popular library and cultural center. (JPF)

A description of the remodeling of the library building. (RM)

A description of a branch library building. (RM)

Described a project that moved a retired Carnegie library four blocks and back into service as an annex to the Mexico-Audrain Library System (Missouri). Insights are provided into the practicality of recycling buildings as public library facilities and the effects that such efforts can have on community pride and involvement. (SLW)

Discusses partnerships that were developed with the Free Library of Philadelphia during their renovations, including perspectives from a project manager, an architect/designer, and a technology consultant. Offers tips on selecting and working with professional consultants. (LRW)

If the pace of construction, the size of projects, and the money spent on public library buildings represents how well libraries are regarded in America, then libraries are prized. "LJ" has been compiling data on new and renovated buildings for 34 years now, and through thick and thin libraries get built and revitalized. Overall, the average…

A statistical report on 277 public library building projects completed in the USA during the year ending June 30, 1976. (Author)

Reports a continuing decline in the number of new public library buildings and increased construction costs. Reporting difficulties, however, militate against relying too heavily on trends when considering statistics for new construction and remodeling projects completed in the year ending June 30, 1980. (RAA)