03/08/1960
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, . LIBRARY BOARD
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MINUl'ES ' '
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Modem Li ',t',,;
Initiated"l1y
Citizens In 19 it
,
By MISS SARAlI BYEltS Indudlng a modcsl s
DIredor, unl' full.tlme Iibl'arirm,'
Clearwater Public Libr:.Jr~' GI lec Mouse, Hoohs and -.;.
The Clearwater Public L\. kl' gl'l'w s\cmllly-.:' ' -
brary has grown from a small fo: the ycnr 1920 re:n1
citizen.initiated organization to (:tillll"Oximatl'ly one..~:r'
one of the largest and most prtlSt'nl.day monthl).fJl _
acth-e operations of the city. 10:10'5 the book coil .
A group of clUtens fonned RTIlWTl by IrlJp-; ami I
the first Library Association In spite of then' llciug on ,
1911. collected books. many of lImlled funu" for booll:~
them rare and valuable, nnd chases,
acquired h 0 U II i It r O\'W the, D U r J n It the ..
First National Bant. provide~l' Years", Hbmrles rOUM'
rent.free. These people were ;t'!\'C5 \\1th monies p
acutely conscious of the fuet I'}I' onl:, Ih~ haresl U!J'.'ra
that any city, however smnU, necessities, The~'propl'
should provide (or its cultural than e\'er, resorted to
and ed~ growtlq\t. th",,_for, JJieMuR.. .'
same Umez.UIU 9:;'~tJll'O"~ ~!'~
'l'fstori(to:- lWp'1l~stl.'al l\~cd:--. when work was scarce
A1read~' Clearwaler was at. rewarding, and lor,
tracUng settlers and visitors pro\'emcnt and edu
of sud1 caliber that the)' coule! t'ulaU,{ln flgures fl"
cooperate to establish a b~ic most 100,000 am,l',
collection of books, llnd adnlln. though popul:tlion fl~
Ister their, arJ"dJ1icmenl and Ulcn only u little over-
distribution in a marmer:, des. The Jibral'Y ladli ."
tined tb devcion (nloone of strained to S\lch a
the most popular and useful ~ ob\10US to olci
libraries In the state, The in- ciHzenry lhat the city:
itial concept set the pattern make even' erfort to' ,
{or \hi! future, vantage 01 federal aUt
th lUflte the buildIng.
Within fOGr years tse Under the WPA
progteSslve minded citizens city !lnd federal fu
bad made the "contacts an~ combined to build on '
persuadrd the city lathe~ to the IIbrarv and f
to (DUll the fl"llulrMDcnts ish the undcr.grou
nt'Ct'SMlI'Y to e1Jgl.blllty (or : thus more than tri
$lO,OOOF=t~W~~~:se previous usable space~
1l:e~ D, d this addition wns
funds, la.nd was bought, an lhereby ('nabling tJlC .
the first portion of the~~ (Iffel' nol ollly more '
~nt blilldlDg was rrtt services in general,
1916. pro\'Cd processing
The City CouncU agreed to
pro\'lde funds lor operaUon'1
/I r e 1.- 19.p..r t.J tJ'o'l..,z.r - p~ j.., -c-
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for.M lIb 1 ()'I:V
COLl rn [t):"1
!
Mf.'anwhilt', the Clcarvmler"
n'~:wh hl',meh, an ntlractlvl'
rflum hlla~('<<I in the M,'nwriHI
I Ide Cl'nler, wa.~ dt~dit'all'{l If'
1~1fi1. 1n addition tll lh',' 11';\1[\1
hon:, stud., thl<; brandl IIC'lISf'~
:1 n exceptionallY rille mUt't'. '
t inn to the 1l'-1Jul 1.Kl()); SllW~"
lhls hranch tIOU~P.<; un (':<ccp.
liooallv n lit" ('fII!CC11011 of books'
vn ma'l'inl' ~Ilhjccl~, gi\'lm lUll!'
dooicatl'lJ If) the memory or
Carl Wickman. n former ~en'
l'rOWi patron of the Jj bra 1')',
and well-known member of
many Clcarwalcr boalinlt or.
ganizatiolls. Mrs, .1ulia Shllt'JX'
is In charge oC the He:lI:h
brancl1,
In 1h~ faU of 1!lfi~, the City
Colllmis.';ion and Ule Librarj'
Board completed the nwjor
,librar1 bulhlia&, \1l'~ wLU,
th'l tlNjl'alioJl of II fine moll.
em facility for the Northeast'
brandl, whlch hns been ~n(> I
or the DlO!'it Uuivir:lg activities
in the city, Mrs. Christinl"
Morris hus been In charge at
NortheU!it since rts inception, .
Tltrou~mut its entire life-
time, the library in CIt'Ill'Y:ater,
has had the good fortune to.
have In its employ many able ~
and dedicated emplOYes whOSl>:
inlcrest and cfforts ha\'c bl'en
toward continuing and Impro\"
in~ the quali\y of ~cr\'i{'e and
enlarging the relationship wilh
tile communllr,
Often, nod partlculnrly In '
recent year!', many YII\1,l\st.
women, members 01 !>l'rnCl' :
l'Jubs, ham l'Onlributetl hUll'
dred IIr hours Ilf VlIlllntcer I
!ll'rvlc(' In perlodlcul nnd;
~,~nUII~ rooms, I\\cndin~ 1m 11 I
hlndln~~, anel In the JII\ enih\
c1l'partlllenl, In thes(' lH'Il\'. ,
Illes, they hnve not only I
hellX'd ",1th the work load. I
llUt hl\\'j\ (urthl'rrlt Uw\r 0\\'1l \
knowled~p. and vl<;ion of an 1
Impcn:tant phnll! of thcm: ROO .
their families' communHr ~
JUe,
TIH! prescnt stock of alMlal
!12,OnO volullIe!', rlivided be.
twpcn llIain and two Imll\dl4'~.
Will fH'obabb' bl' cirl'lll..h'tt,
samt'whal mor!! than '!S;I,IJ!\11
l:ml's tluring lhe yt'.~r Hili';. a"
population fi;~urps CO!ll,il1llt. 1:1
::I'll\\'. In arhlil ion \II {'Il" rl'~'
Idl!I\I.~, :1 largl' ll{'rl'I'lll:H:l' 'Jr
tho:,I: who \Uil' \h" lih!':.!!;. l~
dra\\ II rlOIl! tlllll'l' dOL'S ,llld
1l11: 1Il\illCUrplll'llftll u r.';l~,
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CLEARWATER) FLffiIDA PUBLIC LlffiARY BUILDING
A REPCRT ON OBSERVATIOl'B
At the inn tation of tho Honorable Alex Finch, i'~ayor of Clearwater,
I visited the City on Thursday and Friday February 26-27 for the
purpose at studying the Publi~ Library Building, and oxplo~ing with
officials of the Library and City the needs for the physical plant
to house the Main Library operation. The following report is a
summar.y at my findings and recommendations:
I was met by the Chairman of the Board of the Library, Mrs. Frank
Filewicz and Vice-Chairman, Mrs. Eugene Balmi, on Thursday evening,
and with them, I visited the Library for a tour of the building. We
examined in compa~ with the Librarian the entire building. Early
Friday morning, I met with the Architect who has been selected to
make plans for the expansion and/or replacement of the building, and
the Chairman. Later, I met with the entire Library Board, the Librarian,
City Manager, Architect, and several members of the City Commission to
present a tentative report and discuss possibilities for a solution of
the problem. I met the Mayor and City Manager later to explore further
these possibilities.
THE CITY CF CLEAmofATER
The City is a thriving municipality with a population of approxi~ately
80,000 persons. The growth in population in recent years has been rapic,
and prospects are evidence of an even more rapid rat.e of growth in the
future. The Librar,y Board has wise~ faced the responsibility for es-
tablishing a Librar,y plant to meot present needs and provide economical
expansion tor future requirements. It was suggested that plans should be
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made for a potential of 100,000 people.
There are approximately 3300 nogro Citizens in tho Community, and
,a branch,. housed in rented quarters, now provides library service
on a segregated basis to those poople. A resort City, the Library
of Clearwater serves manY visitors, and this pattern will doubtless
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continue.
,i
The present Library building was a gift to the City by the Carnegie
Corporation and was enlarged by B'W.P.A. project during the thirties.
It was planned to serve a population of approximately 10,000 persons;
and 1s now entirely inadequate to meet the demands of approximately
three times this number. Unfortunately, neither the original build-
ing nor the addition meet standards and concepts for modern libra~
service, - in fact and in short, the building, because of numerous
partitions and bearing walls - is the worst structure for efficient
library service that I have encountered. This is not a criticism of
persons who were responsible ,for the building, but a statement of fact
to point up the change in concept of library buildings which has taken
place since these structures were erected.
In addition to the partitions, bearing walls, cubby holes, ~~c., the
building stands 7 - 8 .ft. above ground level, with steps which .~eter
elder patrons. The fortress-like IIstack" area, with a narrOl.J', "Cortuou5
staircase, 1s impossible for economical operation of a library. The
interior 15 gloomy, depressing and non-functional, Books, purr,phlats,
magazines and other materials are piled on shelves, window sills, stair-
cases, on the floor and on tables to an extent which make efficient,
inviting library use, unlikely. Equipment is old, dilapidated and
make shift, and the fact that services are rendered at all is a
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tribute to the dadication of the staff and the perseverance of the
patrons.
The City recentlY provided air-conditioning equipment which fortunately
might be salvaged tor use in the proposed new building, or elsewhere.
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WHAT IS A PUBLIC LIffiARY
Whereas the purpose of, this report is not to propound a philosophical
treatise to justify the use of public funds ror libraries, it may on
the other hand be helpful to review a few basic facts which constitute
a concept of libraries which are shared by most librarians today.
The three elements of a library are books, brains (the staff) and
building. Each is essential, and necessary if a program is successful.
A library is a service agency whose main responsibility is to provide
the printed word, organized for rapid and convenient use. ~lliereas other
media ot communications, such as films, recordings, pictures, exhibits,
etc., are desirable and are provided by many well-supported libraries,
the fact remains that the fundamental purpose of a library is to bring
books and readers together, and first priorty of income and rosources
of an institution should be given to this fundamental phase of a public
librar,y program. A small public library cannot become ~ research institu-
t1on, and it should focus its attention on a live, worki~g ~roup of books
which are used frequently by its patrons. It should resist the temptation
to try to become all things to all people. Rare books, books infrequently
called for or other esoteric materials and services should be eschewed.
F'irst things tirst, should be the motto in planning the building and
services.
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EXHIBITS AND EXHIBITI0N3
Plans should be made for a window, or case which cnn be used to dis-
play books and book-related materials, but aroas, halls or rooms to
be used for exhibits should be avoided. The cost in money, staff time
and energy should not be dtssi.pated on secondary functions.
OPEN AREA ESSENTIAL
In planning the new building or addition, it is imperative to provide
a large single area where all public functions normal to sound libra~
practices in a building of the size contemplated may be provided. A
minimum of 13,000 square feet on one level, uninterrupted by permanent
partitions should be the goal of the planners. Free standing stacks, or
other furniture or fixtures which serve a utilitarian library purpose
m~ be used to suggest areas for special functions, e.g., childreris work,
reference, etc. All parts of this large space should be visible for
easy supervision from one focal point to provide economy of operation.
A rough drawing is attached which suggests a tentative approach. It
has been my experience that rectangular building is not only the most
economical to construct, but it is also the most satisfactory to administQr.
I have also found that, all things considered, the main public entrance
should bisect the longest line of the rectangle. ~ locating service
desks near the entrance, a minimum staff can supervise a lurge area, and
such a plan also provides good traffic control inside the building.
Theoretically, outdoor reading areas are wonderful, but practically
they are not desirable. Who wants to sit outside and fight bugs and tho
elements when he can ait inside a comfortable room and see the wonders
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of naturo through glasB walls? I rocommond that tho temptation to
build courts, patios, and/or torraces be resisted, excopt a~ decora-
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tive features which are recognized as luxury items. Perhaps an individ-
ual or group will provide funds for such items, as well as for othor
decorative features as sculpture and art work. Limited funds available
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to the planners should not be used for such purposea.
The following points are also recommended for the guidance of the
planners:
1. street leval entrance
2. Air-conditioning entire building
3. Window to advertise interior
4. Control of sun and glare by permanent features, easy to maintain
5. Berths for bookmobiles, with extension collections ,conveniently near
6. Traffic controlled by logical placement of doors, desks and departments
1. Materials throughout the building to be attractive, durable but with
low maintenance cost
6. Provision for noise control, so that the decibel for exterior noise
shall never exceed uO
9. Good lighting to guarantee a minimum of 48 candle power at all parts
of building, with fixtures easily maintained.
10. Light switches conveniently placed and at least one circuit controlled
qy units to permit lighted areas for person leaving building
11. No "attractive hazards" to attract children to play on grounds of
building, or encourage indigents in loitering
12. Attractive and conveniently arranged rest rooms and private.: areas for
staff
13. Meeting room facilities with a separate entrance and separate units
for lighting, heating and cooling, preferably with arrangements for
sharing rest room facilities
14. Running water in rest rooms, technical processing departmcr.~,
bookmobil~ area (for washing bookmobiles)
15. Provision for future expansion at minimum cost and inconvenience
to operations
16. Adequate and convenient storage facilities for supplies, tools
and equipment (not books) ,
11. Best orientation on site to guarantee traffic control, light
appearance and advertising value of building
18. Good sign to identify building at all times
19. Numerous electrical outlets
20. Chutes and incinerator for convenience of trash disposal
21. Transformers to provide greatest saving in electric consumption
22. All electrical fixtures to operate on same (i.e., A.C.) current
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REMODEL m NE\'1?
Due to the conditions in the structure of tho old building cited above,
with the problem of orionting an addition with the oxisting structure,
I must respectrul~ recommend that a new building, on a new cite, 10 the
beat approach to the problem. A new ground-level structure with clean,
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simple lines, planned in accordance with modern library service concepts,
would unquestionably be better than a remodeled and enlarges structure.
Another deterrent to remodeling is the hidden, and uncertain costs of un-
detected defects which may be discoverod in the old structure.
If after careful consideration, you find it impossible to preview for an
adequate, new structure, you may wish to explore the following plan for
expanding the old building. In line with principles cited above, and in
view of the requirements of approximately 13,000 square feet of space on
one level, I recommend that the on~ sound expansion is to the north of
the present structure, provided that approximately 13,000 square feet on
one level can be guaranteed. See attached drawings (drawing layout sent
to Mayor only).
If this plan is followed, I recommend that the present basement ~a.rev~~ped
lor the following uses:
1. Meeting room for public use
2. Mechanical equipment, such as air-conditioning equipment
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3. Technical processing, including, cataloging, ordering and
book repairing
4. Public and staff toilets
,. storage for building supplies, etc" but not for unacccssioned
books
I further recommend that a sunken-garden type entrance be provided at the
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present aide door I with safe and corn.forta?:_~_~~~r._().a~~_c,~" particulo.r.ly
from Osceola Street. Wheroas the present head room of 7-1/8 feet is not
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good for a meeting room, you might' find that the present coiling can be
"pushed up" - even a fow inches would help.
An elevator (a hydraulic one for this distance is not impractical) or a
dumbwaiter to transport books between the two levels, is highly desirable.
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SIZE
The following table, which was prepared for the Meridian, Mississippi
Public Library Board in 1931, summarizes the population, square feet and
cost per square foot of several buildings which, have been constructed in
communities comparable to Clearwater in recent years. Cost today is
perhaps higher.
City
Melmond, Cal. ,19,3
Columbus, Ga. 19,0
Topeka, Kansas 1954
Population
Square Feet
Cost per Square Foot
93,~43
79,611
79,791
31,8~0
lh,386
44,506
$871,~98 or $15.98
816,688 or 18.88
560,958 or 18.69
Winston-Salem,
N.C.
1956
1953
148,133
98,000
33,200
34,000
(No site
837,631 or 18.04
466,600 or 14.07
C~ ai~-conditicning)
Roanoke, Va.
Jackson, Miss.
98,271
27,488
~30,ooo
If the remodeling plan is adopted, I suggest that the Archit,ec't. be in-
structed to prepare preliminary plans or rough drawings, along ~te lines
suggested, and that a local responsible contractor be engaged to provide
an estimate of cost of pursuing this Bcheme. If this report is favorable,
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further planning can be developed. If the cost is prohibitive, some
other solution must be found.
THE NEGRO mANCH
Whereas, I stated to the conference held Friday, February 26, that any
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Br'anch Library Building should contain a minimum of 3,000 squaro feet,
I should like to revise this figure in view of additional facts which
I now have available. There are on~ 3,000 to 4,000 Negroes in Clear-
water, (most libraries are constructed for 16,000 patrons or more) and
because numerous Southern libraries have recently provided integrated
serviceJ which, if followed by Clearwater in the next few years, are
factors 'Which affect the requirements for the branch. Under ordinary
conditions, I think a branch with less than 3,000 square feet should
not be built, but due to the two factol's cited above, I believe that
a branch of around 2,000 - 3,500 square feet might be,feasible. I
suggest that it be planned BO that it can be converted to commercial
use if conditions develop where its c9ntinued use as a library is not
necessary.
RespGctfully submitted,
John Hall Jacobs, Librarian
New Orleans Public Library
3-8-60
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