Space Planning and the Digital Age
Several people have asked me recently about the need for a larger library in view of the increasing digitization of materials. Yes, the advent of e-books and e-readers is having an impact on how people access material. E-readers seemed to be a very popular gift this season. However, accessing reading material through digital devices does not necessarily spell the death knell for the paper book. In talking to people of all ages, from 'digital natives' to 'digital immigrants', the traditional printed book is still preferred by many, even those who own a digital device. The great thing about your public library is that it freely offers an array of formats from print and large print to e-books, DVDs, and audiobooks and people can choose for themselves which format suits them best.
We are planning for approximately 21,000 square feet of extra space for Georgetown Branch. Over time, it's possible that the space we are allocating for book stacks today may be re-purposed. Perhaps more space will be needed to accommodate people using mobile devices and computer stations. Maybe extra space will be required to support collaborative work, and to host programs and other kinds of community gatherings. Our design team has been careful to create spaces that can be re-configured as needs change.
In addition to flexibility, the new Georgetown Branch will be a model of accessibility and sustainability. The Library will be welcoming to people of all ages and abilities; we will ensure that there are no barriers to enjoyment. The Library is aiming for a LEED Silver certification and as such, will demonstrate the principles of 'green' construction and operation, and actively promote these techniques so that people will consider incorporating in their own homes, schools and places of work.
We think that the renewed Georgetown Branch Library will become a delightful, and restful second home to many, with its comfortable furnishings, double-sided fireplace, enticing displays, listening/viewing centre, and meeting spaces.
Construction begins in the spring of 2011 so stay tuned for photos of shovels hitting the ground!
Jane Diamanti
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Great Changes Ahead in 2011!
With careful and thoughtful input from staff, the design team has finalized the interior layout for the Georgetown Branch. We have made optimum use of the space, and have wherever possible, allowed for some flexibility so that areas can change as needed. We also have a very good sense of our décor direction—using warm earthy tones, the Georgetown Library will be inviting, comfortable, functional, and we hope, have an impressive ‘wow’ factor that will make visiting a memorable experience for patrons of all ages.
In addition to the Georgetown Branch planning, we have also confirmed the floor plan and the upgrades needed for the temporary site at 224 Maple Avenue. Some changes are designed to improve accessibility, e.g, the installation of a chair lift. However, most of the upgrades are cosmetic in nature and primarily involve painting, carpeting and signage. We are trying to limit the number of structural changes to keep costs low, and with any luck, we can re-allocate unused funds to the much larger and permanent project of renewing the Georgetown Branch.
As best as we can guess, please find below the significant dates related to the Georgetown Branch Project. These dates are still tentative and subject to change. Please stay tuned to the website for updates: www.hhpl.on.ca
February 1st
o The Library takes possession of the temporary site for Georgetown Branch
o Upgrades to the temporary site begin
March 21st-March 30th
o Georgetown Branch closes in preparation for move to the temporary site
o Staff and collections move to the temporary site
Note: Items will not be due during the closure. Information will be out shortly regarding the pick up of items on hold when the branch is closed.
Early April
o The Georgetown Branch opens at the temporary site
May 2011
o Re-construction of Georgetown Branch/Cultural Centre begins
Fall 2012
o Opening of the renewed Georgetown Branch/Cultural Centre!
With careful and thoughtful input from staff, the design team has finalized the interior layout for the Georgetown Branch. We have made optimum use of the space, and have wherever possible, allowed for some flexibility so that areas can change as needed. We also have a very good sense of our décor direction—using warm earthy tones, the Georgetown Library will be inviting, comfortable, functional, and we hope, have an impressive ‘wow’ factor that will make visiting a memorable experience for patrons of all ages.
In addition to the Georgetown Branch planning, we have also confirmed the floor plan and the upgrades needed for the temporary site at 224 Maple Avenue. Some changes are designed to improve accessibility, e.g, the installation of a chair lift. However, most of the upgrades are cosmetic in nature and primarily involve painting, carpeting and signage. We are trying to limit the number of structural changes to keep costs low, and with any luck, we can re-allocate unused funds to the much larger and permanent project of renewing the Georgetown Branch.
As best as we can guess, please find below the significant dates related to the Georgetown Branch Project. These dates are still tentative and subject to change. Please stay tuned to the website for updates: www.hhpl.on.ca
February 1st
o The Library takes possession of the temporary site for Georgetown Branch
o Upgrades to the temporary site begin
March 21st-March 30th
o Georgetown Branch closes in preparation for move to the temporary site
o Staff and collections move to the temporary site
Note: Items will not be due during the closure. Information will be out shortly regarding the pick up of items on hold when the branch is closed.
Early April
o The Georgetown Branch opens at the temporary site
May 2011
o Re-construction of Georgetown Branch/Cultural Centre begins
Fall 2012
o Opening of the renewed Georgetown Branch/Cultural Centre!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Coming Soon-- Self Check!
As noted, the Georgetown Branch Library will be temporarily re-locating to the lower floor of former Holy Cross Church on Maple Ave., during the estimated 15-18 months of construction. It will of course be a very different facility and some patrons may find the changes a little disconcerting. However, we hope that patrons will be very excited to see one change in particular-- the installation of self-checkout machines. Like the machines seen in stores, our new self-check system will allow patrons to check out material quickly and easily. Staff will be there to help but the self-check system is designed to be very user-friendly and suitable for all ages and abilities. For those who prefer the in-person option, there will continue to be staff at the Circulation desk to serve you during all of our open hours.
The self-checkout system will be moving back with us to the expanded Georgetown Branch, with machines located throughout the building for greater convenience. In addition, we will be offering self-checkin on the Market Street side of the expanded library, where there will be short-term parking located nearby.
September promises to be a very busy month as staff return to the planning table and begin work on the layout of the temporary site, while also confirming all the wonderful features of the renewed Georgetown Branch. Stay tuned!
As noted, the Georgetown Branch Library will be temporarily re-locating to the lower floor of former Holy Cross Church on Maple Ave., during the estimated 15-18 months of construction. It will of course be a very different facility and some patrons may find the changes a little disconcerting. However, we hope that patrons will be very excited to see one change in particular-- the installation of self-checkout machines. Like the machines seen in stores, our new self-check system will allow patrons to check out material quickly and easily. Staff will be there to help but the self-check system is designed to be very user-friendly and suitable for all ages and abilities. For those who prefer the in-person option, there will continue to be staff at the Circulation desk to serve you during all of our open hours.
The self-checkout system will be moving back with us to the expanded Georgetown Branch, with machines located throughout the building for greater convenience. In addition, we will be offering self-checkin on the Market Street side of the expanded library, where there will be short-term parking located nearby.
September promises to be a very busy month as staff return to the planning table and begin work on the layout of the temporary site, while also confirming all the wonderful features of the renewed Georgetown Branch. Stay tuned!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Temporary Site Confirmed!
I am happy to report that we now have a signed lease for the use of the Holy Cross Church on Maple Ave. as our temporary site. It is expected that we will move in by early 2011 and that we will be occupying the site until construction is completed (fall 2012). Due to weight bearing load issues (shelving units are remarkably heavy), the public services part of branch operations will be on the bottom floor. Paint, carpeting, and improved lighting will make it appealing and comfortable.
The Planning Committee will be re-convening in mid-September to:
o Finalize the interior layout and design, ensuring that it is functional, attractive and welcoming to all
o Determine the construction approach, whether it be through a general contractor or construction management as per the Acton Branch Project
o Prepare drawings for the tendering process in the late fall
o Establish the floor plan for the temporary site
o Plan for the temporary site upgrades to the facility
o Organize the move to the Church
o Coordinate the considerable publicity around the move
Still lots of work ahead of us.
I am happy to report that we now have a signed lease for the use of the Holy Cross Church on Maple Ave. as our temporary site. It is expected that we will move in by early 2011 and that we will be occupying the site until construction is completed (fall 2012). Due to weight bearing load issues (shelving units are remarkably heavy), the public services part of branch operations will be on the bottom floor. Paint, carpeting, and improved lighting will make it appealing and comfortable.
The Planning Committee will be re-convening in mid-September to:
o Finalize the interior layout and design, ensuring that it is functional, attractive and welcoming to all
o Determine the construction approach, whether it be through a general contractor or construction management as per the Acton Branch Project
o Prepare drawings for the tendering process in the late fall
o Establish the floor plan for the temporary site
o Plan for the temporary site upgrades to the facility
o Organize the move to the Church
o Coordinate the considerable publicity around the move
Still lots of work ahead of us.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Work Continues on the Georgetown Library Project
Although shovels are not arriving until next spring, work continues behind the scenes on the renovation/expansion of the Georgetown Branch Library. The architects for the project (John Knox and Stephen Blood of Chamberlain Architect Services Ltd.) have made some further refinements to the design, specifically to the windows facing Market St. and the entrance on Church St., following a number of constructive comments received at a community open house in October. The windows on Market St. are now in the shape of a broad and gentle arch to harmonize with the arched windows of the church, but have additional features that give the windows a more modern ‘’look and feel’. The windows will be large, allowing lots of natural light to enter both the upper and lower floors. The windows of the Church St. entrance have been enlarged so that people can have a greater view of the inside, and we hope, be enticed by what they see. There will also be a vestibule at the entrance, where people can wait comfortably and be sheltered in bad weather. It’s important to note that the entrance will be at street level, maximizing both visibility and accessibility to the building. The goal is to make the renewed Georgetown Branch Library universally accessible, so much thought will be given to making it easy for people with wheelchairs or walking aids to use the library’s services. Response to the latest design has been very positive to date.
Additional work will be done on the interior over the next few months so that we are ready for the tendering process which will begin in the fall. Construction is expected to start in the spring of 2011, with completion of the project scheduled for the fall of 2012. For more information on the project, including the latest designs, please visit the Library’s website at www.hhpl.on.ca.
It appears that the Library is closer to finalizing a lease for the Holy Cross Church on Maple Avenue, which will serve as a temporary site for the Georgetown Library during the 15-18 months of construction. The expectation is that the Georgetown Library will be moving to the Holy Cross Church no later than March 31, 2011. Before the Georgetown Library moves in, a number of improvements will be made including the addition of a wheelchair lift, new paint, carpeting, and lighting.
A report will be going forward to Council on March 22nd regarding a possible geothermal system for the Georgetown Library/Cultural Centre. The testing of the site has proved positive. In other words, the geology below ground appears to be able to conduct sufficient heat to support a geothermal system for the Georgetown Library/Cultural Centre. The report to Council will discuss the details of the test, and proposed next steps.
Although shovels are not arriving until next spring, work continues behind the scenes on the renovation/expansion of the Georgetown Branch Library. The architects for the project (John Knox and Stephen Blood of Chamberlain Architect Services Ltd.) have made some further refinements to the design, specifically to the windows facing Market St. and the entrance on Church St., following a number of constructive comments received at a community open house in October. The windows on Market St. are now in the shape of a broad and gentle arch to harmonize with the arched windows of the church, but have additional features that give the windows a more modern ‘’look and feel’. The windows will be large, allowing lots of natural light to enter both the upper and lower floors. The windows of the Church St. entrance have been enlarged so that people can have a greater view of the inside, and we hope, be enticed by what they see. There will also be a vestibule at the entrance, where people can wait comfortably and be sheltered in bad weather. It’s important to note that the entrance will be at street level, maximizing both visibility and accessibility to the building. The goal is to make the renewed Georgetown Branch Library universally accessible, so much thought will be given to making it easy for people with wheelchairs or walking aids to use the library’s services. Response to the latest design has been very positive to date.
Additional work will be done on the interior over the next few months so that we are ready for the tendering process which will begin in the fall. Construction is expected to start in the spring of 2011, with completion of the project scheduled for the fall of 2012. For more information on the project, including the latest designs, please visit the Library’s website at www.hhpl.on.ca.
It appears that the Library is closer to finalizing a lease for the Holy Cross Church on Maple Avenue, which will serve as a temporary site for the Georgetown Library during the 15-18 months of construction. The expectation is that the Georgetown Library will be moving to the Holy Cross Church no later than March 31, 2011. Before the Georgetown Library moves in, a number of improvements will be made including the addition of a wheelchair lift, new paint, carpeting, and lighting.
A report will be going forward to Council on March 22nd regarding a possible geothermal system for the Georgetown Library/Cultural Centre. The testing of the site has proved positive. In other words, the geology below ground appears to be able to conduct sufficient heat to support a geothermal system for the Georgetown Library/Cultural Centre. The report to Council will discuss the details of the test, and proposed next steps.
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