2.4 Design Trends in Libraries

Design to Encourage All to Connect, Learn, and Grow

Libraries have transformed dramatically from a protective sanctum for a limited population, to an open space for nurturing public knowledge and intelligence. However, the most radical and rapid library transformation is now upon us. When knowledge and information are no longer tied to physical objects that need storage and order in a physical space, the question of “what the library will become” is being increasingly asked by library professionals and library designers.

North American libraries are changing their image and service delivery methods. Evolving library culture includes automated book handling and self-check kiosks. Taking cues from retail culture aesthetics, newer libraries include large-scale graphics, comfortable seating, display shelving to “market” collections, and bright, display-type lighting.

For many patrons, books are no longer the focal of the library experience. Library designers must consider new spatial typologies as communities request new services beyond traditional information and knowledge gathering forums. There is a need for highly adaptable space that can easily transform to accommodate a range of activities into library programming, such as interactive and social gaming platforms, live music, theatre, and cinema. Food service and retail functions are also enjoying a wave of popularity. These more active program elements need to be zoned successfully to still retain traditional quiet spaces for reading, study, and contemplation.

Information and Reference Functions

Following retail sector trends, many libraries are moving away from traditional static reference and information desks toward more flexible solutions. Roving reference staff walk the floor and can assist patrons at touch-down stations or small kiosks that can be easily moved to a variety of locations. Such trends represent a form of evolution from the traditional learning commons, supplementing this historic model in new and innovative ways. Libraries have provided space for group collaboration for some time and are findings ways to design areas within branches so that sharing between individuals can take place while managing for noise and providing the equipment/ tools required.

Individual study space is important, particularly in Brampton where many residents place a high value on education, where there is a substantial base of school-age and post-secondary students, and where access to post-secondary or other non-municipal libraries are in short supply. Modern libraries provide small study or collaborative rooms that can hold between 1 and 4 people, larger meeting rooms where more participants can gather, carved out study nooks in unique areas of the branch, or installed individual kiosks/desks to aid in study and group work.

Promising Practice: Calgary Central Library

Calgary Central library’s design approach organizing spaces vertically from “fun” to “serious.” Its ground floor is open and invites patrons to be louder and collaborate in different ways without the worry of disturbing those in a more focused study area.

Photo Credit: Michael Grimm

Flexibility

Libraries represent the diverse interests of various user groups and stakeholders and reflect evolving market demands. Library design, therefore, must accommodate expansion and growth, be flexible to maximize cross programming and be adaptable to implementing future program elements with minimal disruption to facility operations. A conceptual model with a clear organizational structure and an openendedness for growth and expansion will help a facility respond to future adjustments without a complete redesign. This design philosophy extends across all aspects of a project, from site design, to space programming, to mechanical equipment and system selections.

The cumulative result is a more successful building that meets the needs of its users, now and in the future. This approach is illustrated at Richmond Hill Public Library’s Oak Ridges Library and at the Toronto Public Library’s Fort York branch where both buildings employ a raised access floor system that is often seen in data centers and office buildings. With this system, a plenum space is created in the floor for electrical and HVAC distribution. As needs change, power outlet and HVAC terminal locations can be relocated within the floor system without the need for major renovation.

Branches and Operations

As cities grow, there is a trend toward creating a downtown and preserving land for parks and other uses. Like Markham’s “downtown” development and Vaughan’s Metropolitan Centre, the Brampton 2040 Vision promotes strong public realm for its identified nodes and corridors. Library systems may look to the larger cities for new partnership models for library branches.

Operations models are also seeing a trend toward new and innovative approaches to serving the changing needs of patrons. The Hamilton Library serves a large region including rural areas and they are exploring novel ways to serve and attract a dispersed community. The Freelton Branch is ‘staffless’ and has been in operation since 2017. A library card is used to gain access to the branch during the hours that staff are not present. All books and technology are available during extended hours and there is a direct line to the central library for support. Due to its location, the branch was only open for 17 hours per week prior to the switch to a ‘staffless’ model. Moving beyond traditional operational models may provide opportunities for more members of the community to engage with the library’s services and allow library systems to adapt to changing conditions.

Promising Practice: Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Library & VMC Express

Vaughan Public Libraries is incorporating a new branch called The Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Library within a commercial building in the City’s new downtown development. It consists of a 9,000 square foot branch and a 400 square foot storefront space called the VMC Library Express. There are a number of different partners involved in the project and it is a format that the library system may not have explored in the past.

Photo Credit: Vaughan Public Libraries

Sustainability

Sustainability is an essential consideration in any new construction project and as a public institution, a library must lead the way and serve as an aspirational target for other projects in the community. The Brampton Library Board has previously endorsed LEED Gold certification as a minimum target for new projects. In most cases there is a trend toward Net Zero, Net Zero Carbon and Passive House Certification; the City of Brampton’s Energy and Emissions Management Plan charts a way for a Zero Carbon future. 9 An expanded definition of sustainability is also becoming well understood and adopted in new projects.

For a project to be considered sustainable, its design team needs to consider a holistic approach to the process. Being resilient to changes in climate and local conditions, considering the inclusion and wellbeing of a diverse group of patrons and looking for opportunities to include power generation or water reuse on site should all be explored in addition to the popular certification systems. It is clear that the library has reasserted itself as the social heart of a community. A shift in values and planning policy has set the framework for projects like the new Central Libraries in Halifax and Calgary and the Fort York branch of the Toronto Public Library to occupy a prominent civic location within a city or new development. Design excellence, sustainability, flexibility and innovation are common to all successful, contemporary library projects.

Addressing Aging Infrastructure

A growing challenge for Brampton Library is the cost associated with the repair, renewal and replacement of its aging infrastructure. Additional investment is needed to keep the Library’s infrastructure operational as well as to enhance the quality of life and economic health for the city as a whole. That being said, Brampton Library benefits from the fact that four of its eight branches were constructed within the past 10 years while many of its older branches have undergone major renovations in the past 15 years that have extended the useful lifecycle of certain structural and mechanical systems.

According to Canada's Core Public Infrastructure Survey, two out of every three libraries in Ontario (62%) were built prior to the year 2000 while one out of four libraries is now more than 50 years old. Despite the high average age of the province’s libraries, they remain in generally a good state of repair with 55% reported to be in good or very good condition due in part to lesser wear and tear relative to other forms of infrastructure (such as roads, sports facilities, etc.). 10 With half of Brampton Library’s branches constructed over the past decade, the future bodes well although proactive financial planning is always important regardless of a branch’s age in order to maximize how long an asset stays in operation and for it to meet community needs over time.