Library Buildings 2000: Strength in Numbers

By Bette-Lee Fox -- Library Journal, 12/1/2000

We approached the year with feelings of both dread and elation. The dread proved to be uncalled for: the world as we know it did not come to an end on January 1. The elation in the library world was generally widespread as hopes for increased library service through new and expanded buildings were realized.

The 241 public library projects featured (completed between July 1, 1999 and June 30, 2000) represent the second highest total since 1991, back when a digital library was hardly a common concern, no less a reality. We are featuring 30 academic library projects as well.

CONTENTS

Academic: New Buildings

Academic: Additions & Renovations

Academic: Additions Only

Academic: Renovations Only

Public: New Buildings

Public: Additions & Renovations

Six-Year Summary

Architects

Libraries will not easily fade from view, though accommodation to the digitization of our services is being acknowledged in most of these projects: fully fiber-optic facilities (Cornell's Mann Library), computer labs, wiring updates, and enhanced computer workstations. There are also libraries that are still finding convivial bedfellows among town offices, sharing space with police headquarters, senior centers, and town halls. And there are the renovations through disaster, such as the Haysville Community Library, KS, which required repair owing to a tornado.

The total project costs for the 241 public projects is $632.5-plus million, a comparatively stable figure over the past seven years. Larger new projects include the Carlsbad City Library, CA ($22 million, 64,000 sq. ft), and the Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library in Alexandria, VA ($15.5 million, 60,000 sq. ft). Large addition/renovations include the State Law Library of Iowa, Des Moines ($20 million), Ridgedale Area Library, Minnetonka, MN ($24.8 million), and the Toledo-Lucas County Main Library ($30 million). Regional activites include 14 new buildings in Ohio, with 17 remodels/additions in New York and 14 in Pennsylvania, including 11 in Philadelphia alone.

As 2000 winds down, we no longer fear year's end. But should we? Is 2001, as some people contend, really the new millennium? No matter; we expect to see libraries and library service growing in all areas well into the next decade. The building picture remains bright.