Building Resources

Compare your space, needs, performance with libraries in Wisconsin and across the country with these tools.

• Wisconsin Public Library Standards (Wisconsin DPI, 2018)
  • Where does your library fall? Tier 1, 2, or 3?
• Public Library Space Needs: A Planning Outline (Wisconsin DPI, 2009)
  • Space needs worksheet
  • Use this worksheet to assess what you have versus what you need.
  • Collection space, public computers, seating…
• Public Libraries Survey, Institute of Museum and Library Service
  • Find your library peers, how do you compare to their performance?

Evaluate what you currently have (facts): collections, public work areas, public computers, staff workspace.

Compare

• What were the needs of the library when this space was built?
• What are the need of the library now?
• Use annual report data as well as pictures and library records.

Space needs

What are your space needs for traditional collection, programming, workspace, reading, browsing, small groups, large groups, parking, storage, public computers…

• Use the DPI Space Needs Worksheet

Is your space accessible? Inclusive?

• ADA Standards for Accessible Design, 2010
• Inclusive Services Assessment and Guide, Wisconsin DPI, 2019

• Engberg Anderson Architects
  • Bader Ruder Creative Department, Brookfield, WI: artistic dividers
  • Forest County Potawatomi Executive Building, Crandon: WONDERFUL floor design, stage,
  • Tempe Public Library: architectural ceilings, bright colors.
  • Villard Square Library, Milwaukee: custom window seating
  • Eastern Avenue Library, Davenport Iowa: natural copper wall.
• FEH Design
  • Le Mars Public Library, Iowa: COLOR, custom walls that integrate puppet show booth, custom children’s entryway, ceiling décor/sound panels?
  • Muskego Library Children’s Area: COLOR, custom ceiling décor/architecture and art
  • Milton Public Library, WI: organic custom ceiling architecture, colorful lighting, custom barn/farm theatrical play space
  • Nevada Public Library: integrated stage/theatrical play space
  • Workiva, Iowa: striking, natural feature walls
• HGA
  • Milwaukee Public Library-Mitchell Street branch: COLORFUL, natural, architectural seating, organic wall art, local murals on garage doors for small groups?!?! and phenomenal focal lighting.
  • Columbia Heights Public Library (MN): beautiful architectural entryway with lighting in cozy, bright youth space
  • Hennepin County- Brooklyn Park (MN): colorful mural, wood/natural architecture.
  • FEH submitted a proposal for the New Richmond Library (WI) with custom window seating, art piece lining wall of second floor that is open to the first floor, pictures from the Milwaukee Public Library East Branch with beautiful stained glass controlling direct sunlight and a natural wood-slate ceiling in one area and modern art for another ceiling.
• MSR Design
  • Woodale Church Youth Center: if this is the only link you click you’ll be excited! Feature walls, COLOR, natural play, I can’t say enough…
  • Minnesota Children’s Museum: outdoor stage and play space, feature transition walls, wood slice bannisters,
  • Madison Central Library: children’s space, natural wood sculpture/slice wall, seating coves, murals
  • McAllen Public Library, Texas: children’s space, custom/inviting entryway built for play! Industrial ceiling brought down with color and texture.
  • Hennepin County Library, Maple Grove (MN): natural textures, wood feature pieces
• OPN Architects
  • James H. La Rue Library: the children’s space is chock full of beautiful custom pieces that are architectural and décor at once. I thought you’d like this example as the pieces use organic shapes.
  • Pinney Library: features an outdoor space for play and programming, I thought this might be up your alley. The indoor features did not impress.
  • Joplin Public Library: custom ceiling features, fun child-activity friendly shelving options, and interactive murals!
  • Rand Park Pavilion: beautiful outdoor amphitheater. 

Inspiration Resources

• 2020 Library Design Showcase, American Libraries Online
• 2019 Library Design Showcase, American Libraries Online
• 2019 Landmark Libraries, Library Journal
• Norman Public Library East, Oklahoma
• Wisconsin School of Business Learning Commons, Madison, WI
• San Mateo County Libraries – Half Moon Bay Library, California
• Pinterest Board
• Furniture inspiration and sources
• Wall inspiration and sources
• Floor inspiration and sources
• Ceiling/Lighting inspiration and sources
• Content inspiration and sources