06/21/1974
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LIBRARY BOARD,'
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MINUTES
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CLEARWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF
JUNE 21, 1974
1:30 P.M. - 2:30 P.M.
City Hall - Hayor's Conference Room
PRESENT
ABSENT
Mr. Fred Korosy, Chairman
Mr. Wilby Anderson
Mrs. Elizabeth Hasbrouck
Mrs. Jessica Kerr
Hr. Larry Reis
Hr. Elliott Hardaway, Secretary
Mrs. Theresa Goss
Mrs. Ruth Johnson
Mrs. Karen Martin
Mrs. Johnie Mae Moore
Mrs. Audrey Patouillet
1. The Board discussed its meeting with the City Commission
at the Commissioner's Briefing Session on Tuesday, May 28,
1974. Members agreed that it would be advisable for
individual Board members to contact Commissioners and the
Mayor by telephone, letter or in person to reaffirm and to
impress upon them the Board's decision asking for a new
main library to be built immediately west of the present "
main library as soon as possible.
In'conjunction with the discussion two surveys concerning
the Library were discussed:
1) A large map of the City was placed on a bulletin
board in the Library lobby with a sign inviting
patrons to indicate their residence by using a
map pin. This map was made available for the last
week in May and the first two weeks in June. The
result indicated that the Main Library is serving
patrons from every section of Clearwater and many
of the surrounding areas. A photograph of the map
appeared in the Sun Thursday, June 6, 1974.
2) The second survey was made by the Sun as part of
its Readers' Forum series. According to this survey -
the results of which appeared in the Sun of Saturday,
June 15, 197~ - "A majority of Clearwater Sun readers
prefer to keep the main public library on its existing
site, even if that means demolishing the present
structure and building another.
In last week's Readers'. Forum, to which a whopping
94 per cent of the 203 respondents replied that they
were patrons of the existing library, it is clear
that residents have definite thoughts about their
library.
Sixty-seven per cent (137) of the respondents in-,
dicated they'preferred the present downtown location
over a Skycrest site. Nearly the same percentage,
(64 per cent) prefer rebuilding the main library on
the same location, should demOlition prove necessary."
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Clearwater Public Library Board
Minutes of the Meeting of June 21, 197~
Page 2
2. The'Board Chairman will be out of town in July and
Mr. Larry Reis will be Acting Chairman for the July
meeting. '
Elliott Hardaway, Secretary
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206
LOCAL PUBLIC LlDnAHY ADMINISTRATION
help the planner discover quickly any weaknesses In layuut. More elaborate layouts will
include such valuable aid~ as wood samples, fabric swatches, l:iamplcs of floor cllverlngs,
color schemes, and placumenl of decorallvc plants and similar objects. A fully dC\'ulupcd
final layout leave,S Htlh: to the imagination and is well worth the added investment.
Stepwby-step, preHminary planning is carried forward to the point where there is
final agreement on space uUUzatum, equipment arrangements, traffic flow, and l~clated
mechanical, engineering, und structural elements, Due to the expense of changing final
preliminary plans, only important 01' unavoidable changes shollld be made at the last
minute. Every effort should Ill! made to mal<e any necessary adjustments when prelimi-
nary plans are relatively fluid,
Working Drawings
Working drawings constitute the' lhird and final step in planning. Prepared by the
architect, they are based on the final preliminary plan, Technical and exact, they com-
prise all necessary scale plans, elevations, detail drawings, and written specifications
necessary to construct the building, All materials, meehanical equipment, methods of
construction, and caliber of workmanship are described in precise detail, both on scale
drawings and in written form. The specifications include a written dt:::3criptlon of the
scope of the work, general conditions, materials, and workmanship involved in the proj-
ect. The working drawings and spec iI1cations serve as contract documents used for the
preparation of bids and for the erection of the huilding, 11
While the librarian member of the planning team need not concern himself with all
technicul details, he should review carefully such bas ic considerations as heating and
ventilation, lighting, placement of wall outlets and light switches, location of hose bibbs,
and other similar details, In addition, he should pay close attention Lo furniture draw-
ings, acoustical materials, color schemes, floor coverings, and hardware.
The cost of making a change in the working dl'awings after construction has started
may be pl'ohibitive, Therefore, only the most careful and expert checking of plans and
specifications will make it possible to avoid the necessity of choosing between this ex-
pense and permanent faults in the building.
Libral'y Location
Cenlt'al Location
A library is a service organization intended to serve people. ,Therefore, it should
be centrally located where it will be accessible t6 t.~le largest number of potential readers
and information seekers.
, ,
This principle is neither new or revolutionary. n has been advocnted by a vast maw
jority of experienced public library administrator,s for well over a half century, The con-
cept of a cenlrally located libl'al'y is jusl as valid now when there arc mol't~ limn 70 mil-
lion registerud motor vehicles as it was when the first successCul American automobile
was introduced in 1892,12
A central location is usually associated with ~ heavy concentl~aUon of retail stores,
IlGa.1vln and Van Durl!n, I)". c,'., p, :10.
uThls point of vlow Is doculllcnllld fully In Whclllllr, up. rtf.
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PUBLIC LI13HARY n 1.11 LDlNGS
office buiIdin(!s, b;lllks, public tl'Olllsportation points, and pnrkin~ CacU it ies. ., This llIf'an5
that it [the puhlic libral'Y I should he near the centel' of p;Pl1eral community activity, l.e.,
the shopping and business disl1'iet. Just U1i dime store operators study the flow of 11r!dcs-
trian trafflc befol'lJ'localing ono of thei r units, so, ~l', "lid library planners consider \'arOR
fully the best location to. reach .Tohn Q. Public. A huilding located just around the corner
fI'om the most advantageous spot can 105e a great deal of its potential patronage." I~ (See
Figure 15.)
The importflllce of a celltrallo(~atiol1 was l:eaffirmed in this statement: "A promiR
nent, easily accessible location is required to attr:ld a large numhcr o[ persons. There-
fore the library should be placed where people nalurally converge - in the heart of the,
shopping and business district, rather than in a re'mote location such as a park, civic
center or quiet,side sh'eet...14 Thrl American Library Associatlon's standards for public
libl'ary service also emphasize the need of "maximum acccssibilily."
Unquestionably, a location which affords maximum accessibility to the greatest
number of people is fundamental to the success oC every new public library, be it the
central library 01' a bralll'h, It is equally true Lhat a site whit'li is located in the heart of
a shopping and business distrid will usually cost far more tlmn a site which is located in
a remote 01' secondary area, Once confronted with Ihe l'cality of the high cost usually
associated with the acquisition of a prime location, thf~l'e is a tendency t.oward "instant"
comprotnise. Fortunately, eVCt' im~reasillg numbers of municipal arfir'ials, architects,
and citizens recognize that thc public library cannot fulfill its functiuns in a second-ratc
location and that operating costs are proportionately hll;hor fol' an off-center library than
fOl' olle which is centrally located, Maximunl use is synonynHll' wil h lower service-unit
costs, and strategically located sites are synonymoll:; wit II maximulIl use.
The Site
In addition to centrnl location, several other important criteria should be consid-
ered in library site selection:
1. The site shouid be promincnt. ^ cOl'ner sile at a busy interRoction whorc tho
library can easily be seen is preferred. Maximum use should ue t11:"ln pI display will-
dows and "lows of Lhe interior.
2, The site should permit street level entranee. Allhough a sile that slopes to the
reilr has certain advantages, a level site should be acquired if pos~ible,
3. The site should be large enough for expansion, acces$ibilily [01' service vehicles
and bookmobiles, and a modesl amount of landscaping.
4. The sile should permit orientation of the [milt of tho huilding to the north in
order to minimizc glaro from tho sun. Whell this i:-; not possible, Ol'iontalion to tho east
is lho second choice. However, an othol'wise excellent, centrally located sito should not
be eliminated for lad( of appropriale orientation. Modern year around tcmpcl'Utul"C con-
trol devices and artificial light can bC' used effectively to minimize sun exposure prob-
lems.
5. Hectan~uln I' se I'vice ;lI'cas within a building lend lIw III I:)(! 1\'cs to e;l \' supe I'vis iOIl.
v
Unu~~ell J. Schunk, J'o/ll/,'n (ill' l'uMif" 1.,111'<11')' JlII/It/1II1: J'/lImll'l"S IChlc:ll:o: t"I'''I'il'illl Llhrary ^~~nclalhHl,
19.\5), II, 6,
I.Chal'll'li M. Mohrh;ll'dl ;lml lIallll1 A. Uh'(,llnl:, .. Puhlli' Lihra l'lell." ,t 1'('llifl','/,o'(11 Ii.'enrol J)('("~rnIH,'r, 1 Ofl2, p. 152.
20'/
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LOCAL PUBLIC LIBHAHY AJ)]\lINI::iTHATlON
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I>holo uy lIaYI:OlC PhIJIUIl1~IIIl~. IllC.
1"igu1'I.' 15 - Liurary Luealioll ('pw PlllJlie Lilmlr,\ Ill' Cincinnali [tup] i!) a mOdeI'll,
well-desi~lllJd building thai is IUl,;aled in the lwart of LllL' el'nLl'al bUHllll'BS diHti'jet. The
Nudulk IViq~ini~11 Publk Library IlmUon)I is an 1I11pOl'l4lnl "anchor" for the cenLl'allHlBi-
1l1'SS dlslI'iel.)
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200
As a result, a site whil'h is I'odanl-!ulal' in shape and IWI'mils l'lI,,~1 nld Ion uf a I'Pl'tangu-
lar building shnuld 1)(' ubtalned If Pllsslblo.
6. Ideally, n ~ I te should ha vo'unl fn I'm found:, I ".n cnncllt luns, cHile l' rock or soil.
Test borings should be Illude, prereraJ..1v hcfol'l~ a site is pu I'chased.
Certain other l~ondiliom; should he mel if the l:ommunlly b 10 be adequately sel'vell.
Fi 1'st, the libral'Y should be localed reasonahly Ilea I' adof}ualc aut "mobile parldn[t. Sc{~und,
parking provisions should be lll:lIl" ror boolwlOui1cs, olhe I" official lib 1':1 1'Y vehie1cs, nnd
library ~:J:,ff memhr>l's. Third, automobile aeccss lo dl"ivI' -In service windO\VI.1 should be
provided where thi ' ll'atul'e has been incurporated IIIIU the librul'y buildin~ design.
Although emphasis hns been 11a~~cd 01\ acquiring ~\ site which would be large enough
to permit easy hOl'lzontal expansinlL, it is important to nolI' thal under certain conditions
purchase of a strategically IOl:aled smaller site can be jm;Ufied provided there Is enough
space to locate primary adult public service aruas al streel level. Both Norfolk and
Dallas acted aCl:ordingly when they acqul red lh"ll' choice c1nwnlown sites. In bolh in-
stances, multistory building::; werc l'I'ectcd with 111'ovi5ion Illude for vel'tical expansion,
Where Nol To Locatl' a Library
Despite the ovel'whelmill!: evidence that can he arrel'ed in support of cenlral loca-
tions for central libraries amllJranchcs III dUm.. hoth large and small, library planners
continue to encounter seell1ingly plausible al'l-rlltuCnts fl'om thosc whn hclievc llmt librat'-
ies should be locatp.d in civic 01' cultural ccnll~l's, pari, -;, or on sites where avoidance uf
noise or provision for 1':Il'king is lhe majol' consideration. Usually these misconceptions
are held by those whl) :' t"e not qualified to dlOose a library sile,I5 They do nol under-
sland the significance uf the library in the daily \He of ils c:onsUl\lents. quite to the con-
trary, they associatc lhe library with a s2tting of I1I'Hlumental buildings, large landscaped
grounds, and quiet, aloof sUIToundlllgs. L'ibral'ies are not mausoleums, they are dynamic
educational centers whm;1' sel'vices tlnd rcsources mllst be easily accessible to the g:J'pnt-
cst number of potential readers,
Specifically, then, remote IOl'atlons should be :l\'oidcd. By c!{'f!nllion, "remote"
means (llither literally 01' psychologlt:ally) to be ~itl1nted at a distOllJce, out of the way,
secludC'\l, separate, Hot primary, Hem~e the alDol <Inti in:H::cessih}l. civic and cultural
center fils thi:-; definition because it is sepal'aled from tlte daily life of tlte community rind
is used principally rOl' nttcndance al special e\'cnts. How much more satisfaclory it is to
be where there are lJrlghtlll~hts at ni~ht mther than in a civic center where gO\' I' t'1l III cntal
oIfices close at 5:00 p.m, and thcre is liltle activity at night 01' on weck-ends.
The Sail Francisco Publi,. Library is in a (~Ivic center and Is a I'lassic cxample of
a poorly located lihrary, Removed from lhe main stream of eOlllmunily life, it is rIanlwd
by municipal b\\iitli1lgS, the civic auditorium, and lm'gc landscapcd areas. The Carnegie
Library of Pillsbur~h, which is locnted in a cultural and educational cenler, has attempted
to overcome its problem of rcmoleness by ('I,:j,abl ishin!~ lending and business reference
branches in lhe downtown ai'en. Such opel'at lon:-; a I"e expensive, ullsatisfactory, and would
nol be necessary if the cenlrallibr:1I'Y were lucated downtown.
By the same token, it is almost :llwaYH a serious mistalw to place a libl',u'y in lhe
~eographic 01' population cQnlel' of ;1 l~omlllunlty, Except 1ll lhm;c I'al'e installt'I": whel'c
,there is coincidence between trade celltel' and ~eogl'aphlc OJ' population center, ::;lIch
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LOCAL PUHl...IC Unn^HY J-\n:-I\N1S'l'HA'l'10N
centc1'S ~11'e remote and ulII'claletllo till' evel'ydav adlvilie:; within Ihe lile of the
COlllllllll.1 Iy.
Anulhel' argllmenl lhat 'liay he eltl:ountcl cd Is that the Iihl'ary !-;h(l' : he IUl',lll~d
away fl'om lIoise, A~aln, if tl1\:--:.ll1t is IIl't'dcd, it wdl mean pl:\cin~ llw building in a re-
mole locution. Forl ulla I (lly, mUll;- l'll lechlll Ii llh,), has I' J'ov idcd a CUlI:;1 ical mate rial::;, a 11'-
conditioning, and lightin~ ml..lllods wll\eh h:Wl1 comp~e\dy invalidated this argument.
The argument clwlIunlcred most oBen, however, i::; lIw one that the library should
bc placed where there is a mil Ie pa l'\dll~ space fo l' lhe lib I'a I'Y' s pllbli c. I\galn, lhe imp Ii-
cation is clmu\ for if the lihl'al'Y is to assume full l'c~ptH\slbility fut' ~H'ovid.lng enough
pad';'llIg, il will ue nece~.,al'~ IU locate till! huilding ill a secondary Im:al iun where bnd i::;
cheap, II
Although therc al'e HOllle individuals for wl", parking b the main consideration in
LIS Ing' the lil.ll'u l'y, nUlllC rOllS surveys have r(Htffl r IIll'd l he pu lnt 01 view that a duwlltown,
pedestrian-ol'ienlpcllocalion in the thi,~'K of things IS tho 1110Ht illlpurtant cunsidOl'aUon ttf-
feeling u::;e of the VlIidlr Hbl'al'Y. To illustrate, the Knoxville Branch, C.\rnegic Library
or Pittsburgh, Is located on t1Ul main street of n hu::;y commcl'dal distl'ict near bank::;,
posl olfice, liquor and variety stOl'CS, and public tl'ansportalion, Us sisler West End
Branch, two lJlocks I'cmoved frol11 the neighhorhood shupping center, enjoys ample parl~-
lllg facilities In a park~like selling. The centrally located Knoxville Branch, of course,
ll!ndli mOl'e books ror considerably less money thall rial'S the West End Branch,
As anothl'l' compal'ison, a well-stoclwd hooklllobile will lend many more boolu, .It a
busy suburlJan shopping center than will :..wc1uded nearby community libraries that offer
the very same books "Ius parldng, peaceh\lnes::i, ~\nd higher s~rvlce unil costs 1
The parking problem canuut be overluoked. On the other hantl, it is a community-
wide problem that lllust be solved by the community l'athul' than lJy the library alone. 111
fact, choked highways and overlaxed parking facilities al'u matters or increasing concc\'u
to all goVel'llments, Perhaps new concepls in mass transit will help to alleviate parking
prohlems throughout the nation. In the llleulIlime, many lihraries have attempted to l'.ISC
the parking problem thl'ough provision uf curbside boolt rei urn boxes. Others arc c;o;-
pel'imenling with dl'lve-in return and "will cnll" windows, :';lInilal' to tho~e used by banks
for drive-in service,
Building and Zoning Code~
Almost all communilies have local building ami zoning codes. In addition, certain
code requirements Ul'l' estahlished by the slale governmenl. Building codeH will deter-
mine the type of constl'uction material::; lhat cun be m;ed in ccrtaill zoned areas. Morc
specifically, locnl building codes usually contain minimum ::;tandards affecting occupancy,
fire zone restrictions, type of constrllctiun, design, .structural details, and application of
materials. Olller provisions include installation of healing applianccli and fire rcsl~,lance
raUngs of strucluml usscmblles.
7.oning ordinances regulate land use, They u::iually include provisiolls for setbacl~
of the building from the ::;trcd and propel'ty lines, height of the lJuilding, ulI-site parking,
and related nmlters, It is obvious that building and zoning reslrictions can affect pro-
foundly the l!xteriol' de::;lgn of the bulldill~. its inlcriul' layout, and the structural system.
Therefore, it is imporlant lhat buildinl~ and zonin~ re~a rictions be carefully ill\'e::;li~aled
even though librarie::; and utllel' public buildilll~S HI v usually C~I mpl from zoning regula-
tlO\\::i.
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CLEARWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY
BUDGET STATEMENT AS OF JUNE 30, 1975
Encumbered
S pent
$174,895.55
60.nO
318.73
17,098.19
285.20
90.00
519.10
1,090.91
915.30
107.50
3 , ,8 7 3 . 19
108.42
2.78
3.95
1,311.08
855.85
32.20
604.86
215.25
3,771.95
l~ 5 , 12 5 . 0 1
381.15
1,347.46
Salaries & Wages
Professional fees
Postage
Utilities
Printing
Equipment Rental
Office Machine Service
Equipment'Service
Janitor Service
Pest Control Service
Commodities (Supplies)
Janitor Supplies
Medical Supplies
Expendable Tools
Maint.-Repair Materials
Chemicals (Air-Conditioner)
Fixed & Sundry
Official Lunches
Travel Expense
Garage Service Charges (Welding)
Capital Outlay-Office Furniture
Books
Building Repair
Bi,nding
10,014.68
"c'.l'
Balance
$57,991.1.5
440.00
431.27
7,901.81
(85.20)
2,310.00
80.90
659.09
384.70
292.50
(373.19)
41.58
22.22
.05
(11.08)
(423.85)
200.00
67.80
45.lIl
. 75
(171.95)
27,415.31
368.85
152.54
Total
$10,014.68 $253,013.63 $97,740.69
Expenditures:
Normal 75.0%
Expended 72.9%
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LIBRARY BOARD,
MINUTES
. DATE -~;~.-.t ~. I ",..,y
+-///'6
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CLEARWATER PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD
MINUTeS OF THe MEeTING OF
JUNE 21, 19 14
1:30 P.M. - 2:30 P.M.
City Hall - Mayor's Conference Room
PRESENT
ABSENT
Mr. Fred Korosy, Chairman
Hr. Wilby Anderson
Hrs. Elizabeth Hasbrouck
Mrs. Jessica Kevr
Hr. Larry Reiu
Hr. Elliott Hardaway, Secretary
Mrs. Theresa GOBS
Mrs. Ruth Johnson
Mrs. Karen Martin
Mrs. Johnie Mae Moore
Mt's. Audr.ey Patouillet
,..
1. The Board discussed its meeting with the City Commission
at the Commissioner's Briefing Session on Tuesday, May 28,
1974. Members agreed that it would be advisable for
individual Board members to contact Commissioners and the
Mayor by telephone, letter or in person to reaffirm and to
impress upon them the Board's decision asking for a new
main library to be built immediately west of the present
main library as soon as possible.
In conjunction with the discussion two surveys concerning
the Libra~y were discussed:
1) A large map of the City was placed on a bulletin
board in the Library lobby with a sign inviting
patrons to indicate their residence by using a
map pin. This map was made available for the last
week in May and the first two weeks in June. The
result indicated that the Main Library is serving
patrons from every section ,of Clearwater and many
of the surrounding areas. A photograph of the map
appeared in the Sun Thursday, June 6, 1974.
2) The second survey was made by the Sun as part of
its Readers' Forum series. According to this survey -
the results of which appeared in the Sun of Saturday,
June 15, 1974 - "A majority of Clearwater Sun readers
prefer to keep the main public library on its existing
site, even if that means demolishing the ppesent
structure and building another.
In last week t s Readers', Forum, to which a whopping
94 per cent of the 203 respondents replied that they
were patrons of the existing library, it is clear
that residents have definite thoughts about their
library.
Sixty-seven per cent (137) of till.! respondents in-
dicated they preferred the present downtown location
over a Skycrest site. Nearly the same percentage
(64 per cent) prefer rebllilding the main library on
the same location, should demolition prove necessary.1I
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( ::j:/L.f;,J ,-:C!:i'~ 'i) 1,1.,,,. { 0,) )
Page H2 - November 12, 1974
Mr.. Fred Koroay
2. Similarly, when viewed from the perspective oC a Coun.ty-wide
service, any long-term financing commitments for capital facilities
will make the conversion to a County-wide service much more com-
plicated.
Thus, it is imperative that the results of this study b~ known prior to
'funding specific plans for constructiQn of City library facilities.
Ultimate Location for the Main Library Structure
During the May 28, 1974 Briefing Session of the City Commission, in
which the subject of library improvements was discussed at length among"
members of the City Commission as well as tbe Library Board, the
Library Director and the Florida State Librarian, there was considerable
discussion over the best location for tbe Main Library structure.
There appeared to be a consensus among the Library Board, ~he Clear-,
water Library Director and the Florida State Librarian that tbe ~own-
town location was preferable, although there was disagl"l~ement from
at least one member of the Library Board and from some Ci ty Commis-
sioner s.
Obviously, the resolution of this issue would bave to precede specific
plans for construction of library facilities.
Existing Main Library Structure - Renovation or Replacemen~?
For several years Clearwater has planned to spend several hundred
thousand dollars to renovate the existing Main Library structure, at
costs ranging from $300,000 (1970) to $415, 000 (1973) to $550,000 (1974).
Within the last yea.r BOlli\; persons have begun to question tbe commit-
ment of over a half-million dollars to salvage an antiquated structure
which, possibly, has built-in limitations which would prohibit any ex-
penditure from creating a library which would be able to provide a full
range of servlces effectively and efficiently. Instead, a totally new
structure was advocated by the .Library Director and endorsed by the
~ibrary Board at the May 28, 1974 Briefing Session.
As do the first two questions, the decision on the most appropriate treat-
ment of the Main Library must be dcterlllincd prior to moving ahead.
Funding Method
All of the issues already discussed have rclcva.nctr to the iunding
method. In the absence of decisions on those issues, it is premature
to attempt to derive specific strategies for financing proposed improve-
ments.
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296
LOCAL PUBLIC LIBRARY ADMINISTHATION
help the planner discover quickly any weaknesses in layout. More elaboratc layouts will
include such valuable aids as wuud samples, fubric swatches, samples of Uoor coverings,
color schemes, and placemcnt of decorative plallts and similar objects. A fully developed
final layout leavc.s little to the imagination and is well worth the added invcsUncnt.
Step-by-step, preliminary planning is canied forwiU'd to the point where there is
final agreement on space utilization, equipment arrangements, traffic flow, and related
mechanical, engtncc1'ing, and structural elemunts. Due to the expense or changing final
preHminary plans, only important or unavuidable changes should be made at the last
minute. Every efforl should he made lo malw any necessary adjustments when prelimi-
nary plans are relatively fluid.
,\
Working Drawings
Working drawings constitute the' third and final step in planning. Prepared by the
architect, they are based on the final preliminary plan. Technical and exact, they COlU-
prise all necessary scale plans, elevations, detail drawings, and written specificaliolls
necessary to construct the building. All malel'ials, mechanical equipment, methods of
construction, and caHlwr of workmanship are described in precise detail, both on scaLe
drawings and in written form. The specifkations include a written description of the
scope of the work, general conditions, materials, and workmanship involved in the Pl'oj-
ect. The working drawings and specifications serve as contract documents used fOl' the
preparation o{ bids and for the Cl'cction of the building. 11
While the librarian member of the planning team need not concern himsell with aU
technical details, he should review carefully such basic considerations as heating and
ventilation, lighting, placement of wall outlets and light switches, location of hose bibbs,
and other similar details. In addition, he should pay close attention to furniture draw-
ings, acoustical materials, color schemes, Hoor coverings, and hardware.
The cost of making a changQ in the working drawings after construction has started
may be prohibitive. Therefore, only the most careful and expert checking of plans and
specifications will make it pOSSible to avoid the necessity of choosing between this ex-
pense and permanent faults in the building.
Libl'~1 ~y Location
Central Location
A library is a service organization intended to serve people. Therefore, it should
be centrally located where it will be accessible to lhe largest number of potential readers
and information seekers.
This principle is neither new or revolutional'Y. It ha~; been advocated by a vast ma-
jority of experienced public library administrator,s fur well over a hall century. The con~
copt of a centrally located library is just as valid now when there arc more than 70 mil-
lion registered molal' vehicles as it was when the first successful American automobile
was introduced in 1892.\2
A central location is usually astiociatcd wilh ~ heavy conccntl',atlon of retail stores,
\l Galvin and Van Durell, op, ~.it,. p. 30.
12ThlS polnl of vll!W hi docunllJlllctl fully III Whcull!r, op. 1'/1.
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PUBLIC LIBRARY BUILDINGS
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office buildings, b;1I1ks, public ll'an~porlation points, and pal'king facilitim;. "This means
that it [the publlc lihrary 1 should he Ileal' the center of g-eneral communHy activity, i.e.,
the :;;hopping and business district. Just as dime store operators study the now of pedes-
trian t ('aWe before'locating- one of their unils, so. should library plnrlllars ecmsider care-
(ully the best location to,reach John Q. Puhlic. A huilding locatod jlll-it around the corner
from the most advanla~(lnus SJlot can lose a ~rcat deal uf its polt~t1t1al patronage." 13 (See
Figure 15.)
The importance of a centrallocalion was reafflrmed in this slatemenl: .. A promi-
nent, easily accessible location is ('equired to allrad a large number of persons. There-
fore the library should be placed where peui1lc natumUy converge - in 1 he heart of the
shopping and business district, rather limn In a ro'mole location such as n park, civic
cent~r or quiet side street. ..11 Thrl American Library Association's standards for public
library service also emphasize the: need of "maximum accessibility."
. .
Unquestionably, a location which af(ol'ds maximum accessibility to the greatest
number of people is fundal1lcnl;!1 II) the success of every new public library, be it the
central library or a branch. It II-i equally true that a site which is located in the heart of
a shopping and business district will usualty cost far more than a sito which is located in
a remote or seco~ldary :t rea. Once confronted wilh the l'cality of the high cost usually
associated with the acq\lu;ition of a prime location, thp.ro is a tendency toward "instant"
compromise. Fortunately, ever increasing lllltubers of municipal officials, architects,
and citizens recognize that the public liumry cannol f\1HUl Us functions in a second-rate
location and that operating eosts arc proportionately hig-tIPr for an off-center library than
for one which is centrally located. Maximulll use is ::;ynonymous with lower service-unit
costs, ami stt'utcgically located sites arc synonymous with maximum use.
The Site
In addition to centl'allocatioll~ several other important criteria should be consid-
ered in liurary site selection:
1. The site should be prominent. A cornel' :.;lte at u busy illtcr!-;eclion where the
Iibl'al'Y can easily be seen is preferrcd. Maximum use should be madc of display win-
dows and views of the interior.
2. The site should permit street level enlralH~e. Although a site that slopes to the
real' has certain ach';mtages, a level site should be acqui ,'cd if possible.
3. The slle should be huge cnou~h for expansion, accessibility for service vehicles
and bookmobiles, and a modest amount of landscaping.
4. The site should pel'nltt Ol'icnlalion of the front of the building to the norlh in
order 10 minimize l{lare from the SUIl. When tllis is not possible, oriclIlation to the east
is the second choice. However, an olhe,'wise excellenl, centrally located sile should not
be eliminated for lac.;k of appropriate orientation. .Modern :;1':1.1' arollnd lemperature con-
lrol devices and artificial li~htl'nn he used erfcct\vcly to minimize sun exposure prob-
lems,
n. Ilcctan~llhll' sl'rvice al'cas' wilhin a bllildin~ lend themselves to easy slIpervislon.
HHII!:'~wl1 .I. Sdl\l\\K, /'lllllh'rs ,1al' I'IIM". 1,.IIl'Ul")' IIl1i//lm~ 1'/'11I1"'1'., (Chlcal-:o: AllWi'lran Library Assndatioll,
!!I.15). JI, 6.
L<Charlf'!< .',t. Mllhe-hardl 1111.1 Halllh A. llll'l'linl~1 .. I'uhllc Llhr;trh'Ii," ,II' 1II/,'elI/rr/l UL'('unl. Ul)t~cmh()r, t952, \I. 1&2,
297
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29ij
LOCAL PUBJ.W L1lHfAHY ,\/)l\lINIST1MTIOl\
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Fig-un' 15 - LtlII'ar)' Location (TIll' Public' I.JlH'a,'y Ill' Clllcinnali [topl is a mode"Il,
,,'ell-designed lJuildiJI" that is loeall'd in 1I1L' hl'art of 1I1L' l:l'lltl'al lJlISilll!SS district. The
Norfolk [Virginial Puhlh.: Lihrary [l)[)tll 'III j is an JlIljlurlani ....ll('hlll." fllr the elmll'al busi-
nesS district.)
.' ,
PUBLIC LIDnARY f11l1LDlNGS
290
As a resull, a site wl1 ieh is l'e l't a n~ul:1l' in shape amI pc I'm Its ('onstrllctl on of :1 rectangu-
lar building should be ah!.l ilWd if possible.
,
6, Ideally, a !-\\If' :-; hO\l hi haVe'tllllfnrm founda Hun condH ions, Pit he l' rock 01' 5011.
Test borings should b(' Ip.1r1l-. lH'efemlJly hefol'c a siLe is pur('ha:.wd.
Certain other conditions should be met if the cummunily Is lo be adequately :;(' n'ed.
First, the libral'Y should he localed reasonably 11!';1 l' ad("l\\ale .1\\tomobill: p:uklng. Second,
parking provisions should he made fur bouklllouilL'S, olher oUiI iOll libral'Y vchicles, and
library Sl;l[( members. Thl I'd, tlutomobile access to drive-in ~wI'vlcc wlndnws shollld be
provided where lhis ((laluro has heon IIJ{~ol'pol'ated intu till: library building design.
Although l'Hlphasis has heen pla.(~ed 011 al'qull"ill~ a site whidt would be lal'!!:c enough
to permit easy hurizontal expansion, it Is i 111 \)0 rlant to 110te' lhat undel' cerlain conditionS
purchase of a strategicall~' located smaller ::;He call be .illstHiI.~d provided lhere is cnough
space lo locale pt'tmary adult puhlk sct'v\cc arc:u; al sll'cellevcl. Bolh Norfolk and
Dallas aCled a('cordln!{ly when they :wquired lheir dlOil~c downtown sill'S, In both in-
stancos, multistory l}l\lldln~s were c t'ccll'd wHh prOVision 1ll:1,f" for vel'tical expansion,
Where Not To Lucale a Libra I'Y
Despite the o\'erwht'lmtn~ pvidenec Lhat can he offered In slIpport of central loca-
tions for cent rallihl'aries and branches in cities bolh la l'gc i\!ld small, lihrary planners
continue lo enCO\1l1lel' sccmill!!:ly plausible alPdllCnts from those who l)l'lieve thnllibrar-
ies should be located in ch'ic 01' cultural t'enters, parks, 01' 011 sites where avoidance of
noise or provision fol' parking is lhe majol' consideration, Usually these misconceptions
arc held by those who nre not qualified to choose a libt'tl.l'Y site,I5 They do nol undct'-
:~tand the significance of the library In lhe daily life of ils conslilu('nls, Quite to the con-
trary, they associale the lihl'Ury with a setting of Illonmllontal buildillg.~, large landscaped
grounds, and quiet, aloof sllrroundin~s, L'ibrarie.:-; arc not mausoleums, they are dynamic
educational centers whose S~l'Vh'(lS null resources must bl! easily :wce5sible to the great-
est numbpl' of potential readol's.
Spcr'lfically, thon, rom.'!!' locatiuns should bl'\volc!rod, By definition, "I"'lllnte"
means (either lilel'ally 01' psychologically) to be situated at a db-;tancc, out ot Ill(! way,
seduded, sepa rate, not p ri mary. Hence the aloof and inaccessible l'iv i (' :Ind cultural
cenler fits this definition because it is separated ft'Ol11 the daily life of lit(! comlllunily and
is used principally (or attendance al special evellts. H;:.w much mOl'e slltisfaeloJ'Y il is to
be where there are bl'i~ht Hv;ht:-; at night ralhel' than in a civic center where govDl'nmental
offices close at 5:00 p.m, and lItere is little activity at night 01' on week-ends,
Tho San Frandsco Public Lihl'ary is in a civic centel' and is a classic example of
a poorly loeated lihrary. Removed {rom the main stream o{ comnnmily life, H is flal\IH~d
by municipal bulldill~s, the c [\- i e auclitoriu m, nnd la rgl' landscaped a rens, The Carnegie
Libnll'\' of Pittsbur~h, which is localed in a <:lllturnl ,llIrI educational center, has attemptcd
to O\'ercome its problem of remoteness by eslabllslLill~ lcnding and busincss reference
branches il\ the downtown area. SUl'h oppl'ations arC! expensive, unsatisfactory, and would
not' be necessary if Lhe cenlrallibra l'Y werl? lucaled downtown.
Dy the same tokl'n, it Is almost :11ways n serious mistakl' to place a librnr\' in the
gl'ogl'apltic 01' populatiun t:cnlcl' o[ " Cllmmlll\ity, Ex(~cllt in tho~;c rare instances where
there i" l:ulneidcnc e het ween t radl' l'clltcr a nd gco~ l'aphic 01' populalion celtte r, suc h
"Wheeler, o/J. nt" I'p.3.["
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300
LOCAL PUBLIC LlBHAHV J\DMINISTIU nON
l'cnll'1'H al'l~ 1'Cmotl' alHlUlll'fllnll'd to the l'\'l'ryday aeli\'ilil':' within lhe IHo of lhe
community,
Anol he I' a q~Ul1l0llt I ha 1 may he Olu:ounte red is thaI I he Iihr:II"V Hhuuld Ill! .loca led
away [1'011I noise, A~aill 11 lhb [lOillt is hl't'decl, il will 1I1L'illl plat:in~ the huildlng in a l'(!-
l1Iote loea IHln, Fo 1'tullatdy > mudo I'll lechnnlogy has \l ro\' iLled aClllll:>llcal male dab, a \ r-
conditioning, and lightin~ III ('I I1mh; wlli I:h ha \'e complel ely I n\'a Ucla led t his a rgumenl.
The ur~unwnl lHlcuunle rcd most oftell, howc\'c 1', is Ihe ulW lhat I he lIhl'a I'y shuuld
be placed whe1'e tlte1't! is ample parl,ing spal~e [ur the lihrary's Jlubllc, Again, Ihe impli~
eatiun iH dea I', 1'0 r if the lih I'a I"Y is lo asstll1H' full rcsponsibil ity fo I" providing enouljh
parking, il will be necessary 10 locate llll~ buildillg. in a secondary location where land is
cheap.
Allhotl~h there arc some ituhdduals for whom parking is tlw main {'nnsideralion in
us ing the library, numc rollS ~lIl'VCY oS have l'caIl i \'nled I he poi nt of vi l'W that a duwntown,
pedestrian-oriented location III the thie'k of things is t 111' most il1lpOl'lant consicleratiOll aI-
ll~cting use of the publil: lihnll'Y, To Illustrate, lIw KIllI.xvillc Brandl, Carnegil' Library
of Pillsbul'~h, is locnted 1111 lhe main stred uf a lJusy eommercinl distrlct near banks,
pO:-i1 office, liquor and variety stores, ami public trallbpol'lal ion. Its sisler West l!;nd
Branch, two blocks removed from the ncighhol'llOod shopplllg c, iller, enjoys ample park-
ing, facUities in a park-like setting. The centrally located Knox\! illc Bl'al\ch, of COUl'se,
lends more boolu; for considerably less mOlleY than docs the West End BI'anch.
As another comparison, a wcll-stodwd hookmobilc will lend many more books at a
busy suburban shopping center than will scduded nearby cummunity libraries that offe.t'
the very same books f'!ll~ pal'l~in~, pcacdulncss, alld higher service unit costs I
The parking pI'ohlem cannot be ovcl'looked. 011 the uthtH' hand, it is a cOlUlllunity-
wide problem that must be solved uy the cOllllllunity mther tlmn lJy the libl'ury alone. In
fact, choked highways and overtaxed parking: facilitie~ arc maltcr~ of increasing concern
to all governments. Perhaps new concepts in IlIlISS transit will help to alleviate pal'l<in~
proulcms throughout the nation, In the meantime, many lihl'al'io~ have altempted to case
the parking problem through provision of curbside book l'ClUl'lI buxes. Others al'C ex-
perimenting with drivu-in return and "will call" winduws, similar to those used by lJanl<s
for drive-in service,
Building and Zoning Code::;
Almost all communities haYt' loeal huilding and zoning codes. In addition, certain
code requirements arc 1,;,t~lb1ished uy the state govcrllnlOnl. Building codes will deter-
minI' the type of construction llIatel'ials that can he used ill certain zoned areas. More
speclllcally, local building clIdl'H usually t'lll\tain minimum standards affecting occupancy,
fi l'e Zulle rest rictions, type oj . .JlIst nu: liUll, design, structural details, and application of
materials. Other provisions include installatiun of hcaLing illlpliances and fil'e resistance
ratings of structural assemblies.
Zoning orc.Jillunccs regulate land use, They usually include IH'ovisions for setback
of the buildin~ from the street ancllHopcl'ty lincs, hei~ht of tlw uuilding, on-sile purl{ing,
und related muLlers, 1l is obvious that bu ill! 1II1,!; ancl :lon ing l'e~t riction::; call aff ect pro~
foundly the exterior des i~1I 01' the hu i Iding, its iute rio l' layout, IlUd the struc Lural system,
Thercfo 1'07 it is imporll\llt I h.d build ill~ and zonill~ r~hl1'ic 1i1l!U; be carefully i nvcsl.iga ted
even though libraries und OUIL'!' puhlk building::> are usually lJ:wmpt from zoning regula-
tious,
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CLEARWAl'l~R PUBLIC LIBRARY
BUDGET STATEt1EN'r AS OF JUNE 30, 1975
Encumbered S~ent Balance
1Q2 Salaries & Wages $174,895.55 $57,991.1.5
20l Professional fees 60.nn 4lJO.OO
204 Postage 318.73 43l.27
220 Utilities 17,098.19 7,901.81
230 Printing 285.20 (85.20)
240 Equipment Rental 90.00 2,310.00
241 Office Machine Service 519.10 80.90
242 Equipment Service 1,090.91 659.09
265 Janitor Service 915.30 3 811 . 70
266 Pest Control Service 107.50 292.50
301 Commodities (Supplies) 3,873.19 (373.19)
302 Janitor Supplies lOlL 42 l~l. 58
303 Medical Supplies 2.78 22.22
305 Expendable Tools 3.95 .05
325 Maint.-Repair Materials l,3ll.0a (ll-08)
340 Chemicals (Air-Conditioner) 855'.85 (423.85)
408 Fixed & Sundry 200.00
409 Official Lunches 32.20 67.80
410 Travel Expense 604.86 45.14
414 Garage Service Charges (Welding) 215.25 .75
.590 Capital Outlay-Office Furniture 3,77l.95 (171.95)
595 Books 10,014.68 II 5 , l2 5 . 0 1 27,415.31
.630 Building Repair 381.15 368.85
695 Binding 1,347.46 .... t:: .". r h"
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Total
$10,014.68 $253,013.63 $97,740.69
Expenditures:
Normal' 75.0%
Expended 72.9%