How to plan a library building for library work
Useful Reference Series No. 7
Every public building should express, with dignity
Its individual type, use, place, and era.
A library is a prominent public building
As practical and technical as a schoolhouse;
A workshop for the future, not a relic of the past.
Seldom rich enough for its needs, it abhors waste.
Change and growth will soon supplant it.
Build it for use, not show; for now, not for ever:—
Tastefully, tactfully, thriftily, thoroughly.
Charles C. Soule
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Prelude
EDITORIAL PREFACE
AUTHOR’S PREFACE
WORKS CITED
CONTENTS
EVOLUTION OF LIBRARY BUILDING
The Dawn of History
Ancient History
Mediæval History
Modern History
Our Own Era
Forecasting the Years
Firmitas, Utilitas, Venustas
Firmitas
Utilitas
Venustas
Is There an Irrepressible Conflict?
Library Science
Architecture
Where does the Library Come In?
What Conflict is Possible?
What Contest is Likely?
Where Lies the Blame?
Grades and Classes
Small Library Buildings
Moderate and Medium Libraries
Very Large Buildings
CLASSES
SPIRIT OF PLANNING
Taste, Tact, Thrift, Thoroughness
Economy Paramount
Cost of Running
The Worst Extravagances
Economy of Expert Advice
Problem Always New
Plan Inside First
Never Copy Blindly
Study of Other Libraries
The Life of a Library Building
The Time to Build
Size and Cost
Open Access
Light, Warmth, Fresh Air
Faults to be Looked For
Frankness Among Librarians
Service and Supervision
Decoration: Ornament
Architectural Styles
Amateurs Dangerous
Dry-rot Deadening
The Public
Place of the Library Among Buildings
The Donor
The Institution
The Trustees
The Building Committee
Free Advice
But be Sure to Get Good Advice
The Local Librarian as Expert
The Library Adviser
Selecting an Architect
A Word to the Architect
Which Should Prevail?
Architectural Competitions
Judges of Competition
Order of Work
Site
Provisions for Growth and Change
Approaches: Entrances
Halls and Passages
Stairs
Stories and Rooms Generally
Walls, Ceilings, Partitions
Floors and Floor Coverings
Roofs, Domes
Alcoves, Galleries
Light
Light, Natural
Windows
Light, Artificial
Heating and Ventilation
Plumbing, Drains, Sewers
Cleanliness
Protection from Enemies
Fireproof Vaults
Central Spaces
Lifts: Elevators
Mechanical Carriers
Telephones and Tubes
CONCRETE EXAMPLES
FOOTNOTES
INDEX
Epilogue
