Heated Sidewalks

I think we should consider heated sidewalks that melt snow and ice.  There was an article in the ADN:

http://www.adn.com/2013/01/06/2743400/hometown-u-cheap-carbon-fibers.html

Alaska Collection

+Group study rooms

I think some group study rooms would benefit the patrons of the library by providing separate sound proof rooms for small groups to meet in. This would provide an area where groups can meet to discuss whatever project they are working on and also give other users of the library the quiet they desire. One area of the library can have a bank of rooms which are reserved similar to the public use computers, for a certain time frame. One member of the group surrenders their library card as the rental fee then at the end of their time, a librarian checks the room for damages or missing items then gives back the card to the patron. Any missing items or damages must be paid before card is returned. Perfect for meetings of small community groups such as girl scounts working on something and for school age children assigned to a group project requiring research of the library or maybe tutoring sessions for home schooled children. Maybe one of the rooms can be outfitted with a projector that a laptop can be connected to for work on a power point project that the group is working on.

Book drop and windows

First the book drop is difficult to use if your vehicle isn’t a compatible size. I usually have to get out of my SUV to return books. The location seems unwieldy as well.

Second, I agree that the entire bldg is not inviting and doesn’t flow well. I grew up in Fbks and the library on Cowles was a favorite spot. The views outside and the flow thru the library was fabulous. The other library that I particularly enjoyed was at Cornell university. On the bottom floor was a large open section with chairs looking out a bank of windows that overlooked the city. It was a fantastic place to read, study, sleep ;). There were rooms off the area with glass walls I to the main room. These rooms were for group study so as not to disturb other students. So those are two of my favorite most inviting libraries.

Parking

My understanding is that the original entrance was supposed to link to a parking garage so you entered from the 2nd floor of the garage.  This would be covered and accessible. Clearly this garage is not needed now (at least from what I’ve seen), but perhaps that is still the most efficient way to solve the entrance issue?  Some day in the future we might be happy we have the extra parking. 

More Community Reach

Although I am pleased that there will be a big Loussac remodel, I find myself torn: I think focusing so much energy and money on the “central library” is sort of missing the point. A city the size of Anchorage should have many library branches, so that the library can truly be part of the community—or really the communities—here. There should be a branch in the southern part of Anchorage, one in Fairview, one downtown, etc. Why not take some of the money and some of the staff and put them where they will be more useful, closer to the patrons? 

Tunnel of Art to Bus Stop

Mainly, I am in favor of planning to improve the library for our winter season which takes up a majority of our time here. What about creating an awesome tunnel that connects the bus stop with the library. The tunnel could be above ground and covered with windows/walls that are either readable or feature an art installation. The security would be an issue, but if it’s used as one of the main entrances, has the coffee kiosk inside it, and additionally has a ton of bicycle parking, these things could create a high-traffic zone which could make it a safer place. I love riding the bus to the library and a tunnel would save me from the long cold walk to the entrance of the library.

Entrance and restrooms - movies

Design for a pedestrian culture

The building should present a friendlier face to 36th Ave so that the front seems more like a town square than a sulking giant with its back to the city. There should be a bus pullout, bike racks, a large patio with benches or a low wall surrounding it, and a few broad steps to an obvious and inviting entrance. Walkers, people taking the bus, and bicyclists should be given the privilege of not having to walk through a parking lagoon and being able to enter the building quickly and efficiently. If you want to design for the future, design for a future with fewer cars. It is coming. As it is (and this probably can’t be completely fixed) the building is too far from the road making it more closely resemble a technical college in the suburbs than an urban library. Put the cafe on the 36th Ave side, too, and it might actually get enough business from other users that it could expand. Actually, on that note, the lot the library is on is so large there could probably be other business buildings there and the mutual traffic might benefit all. The south side entrance should be redesigned so that people enter on the ground level through an entrance that is not tucked under a brooding overhang where cigarette smoke collects. The “grassy knoll, with an inviting undulating, circular and winding ramp” idea is ridiculous. People don’t actually want to negotiate switchbacks or a ramp to get inside, not to mention the hazards of something like that in the winter. Give them a pleasant space outside to meet and talk, yes, (maybe even buy a lunch or coffee from a cart?), but design for quick access through an entrance that is out in front of the building. I don’t want an “experience” as I approach the building. I just want it to look inviting and for the design to give me a clear indication as to where the door is. Redesign the parking lot so that people can walk on paths that either lead directly through the lot toward the front door or give them quick access to a pathway that leads around the perimeter of the lot. I can’t believe the muddy path along the east side of the lot that leads toward the steps has never been paved! People want to walk to a destination by the straightest path possible, so design for that path and make it pleasant.

Web Videos for Inspiration

Library of the Future in Plain English - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLelhZHb3G8

Joe & Rika Mansueto Library - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESCxYchCaWI&feature=youtu.be

Digital Public Library of America - http://dp.la/

Libraries of the future documentary - http://www.jisc.ac.uk/librariesofthefuture

Public library of the future spec scenarios - http://vimeo.com/41660831

What is the future of the library? - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asYUI0l6EtE

Joshua Prince-Ramus on Seattle’s library - https://www.ted.com/talks/joshua_prince_ramus_on_seattle_s_library.html

Preserving for the future - http://vote.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/post/2012/05/07/Preserving-for-the-Future.aspx