PCCLD's 2018 Annual Plan calls for us to commence a project to redesign interior space at the Rawlings Library.
The goal of this project is review of Rawlings in consideration of contemporary public library design and aligned with PCCLD's mission and strategic plan.
The Rawlings Library was conceived in the late 1990s, when the information environment was much different than today. Some services are expanding, while others are constricting. One example, among many, is reference materials. This includes directories, dictionaries, encyclopedias, almanacs, bound periodicals, and so on. Twenty years ago, these physical volumes filled row upon row of vast shelving space within the Rawlings Library, largely on the second floor. Today, most all this is gone. It is now online.
Yet, in other areas, service is expanding. A good example here--among many--is the investment in local history and archives. The Rawlings Library is the primary regional repository for primary-source and historically-significant materials documenting this region's rich and diverse past. We are investing more in retaining and curating these materials. But we are sorely lacking in our current space allocations on the 3rd floor for the materials and the staff who support its retention and use.
These are but two examples among many.
It is our vital responsibility to work to ensure our main library is well positioned to continue our excellent service. We have completed an RFP to engage a design firm to help lead the process to reimagine and rebalance the Rawlings Library holistically and respectful of the original building design but in-step with current and future service delivery.
This project from conception to ultimate build-out will run over multiple years--at least two and possibly three or four, largely depending upon funding availability.
The initial portion of the project will take place over the course of the final six months of 2018. The scope of this preliminary phase is to engage stakeholders, make decisions regarding current and projected space needs, and prepare conceptual design and cost estimates. Input here is expected to consist of a start-up meeting, multiple stakeholder meetings and focus groups, summation/findings meetings with two-three concept choices presented along with cost estimates, and a final report and concepts.
The design firms PCCLD has engaged to carry-out this important work is Humphries-Poli Architects working in partnership with HBM Architects. Many of you will remember Humphries-Poli. This firm was principal for the Pueblo West Library expansion in 2007. Humphries-Poli (www.hparch.com) has an impressive resume in public library design, including significant recent work with the Denver Public Library on the main library there. Partnering with Humphries-Poli is HBM Architects (www.hbmarchitects.com). This firm also possesses important public library design experience, including the Pikes Peak Library District's 21C Library. These two firms together are responsible for dozens of public libraries across the country in recent years and are at the forefront of public library design trends.
I look forward to sharing additional information about this project as it rolls out beginning later this month. Staff from throughout the district will play an important role in this.
The goal of this project is review of Rawlings in consideration of contemporary public library design and aligned with PCCLD's mission and strategic plan.
The Rawlings Library was conceived in the late 1990s, when the information environment was much different than today. Some services are expanding, while others are constricting. One example, among many, is reference materials. This includes directories, dictionaries, encyclopedias, almanacs, bound periodicals, and so on. Twenty years ago, these physical volumes filled row upon row of vast shelving space within the Rawlings Library, largely on the second floor. Today, most all this is gone. It is now online.
Yet, in other areas, service is expanding. A good example here--among many--is the investment in local history and archives. The Rawlings Library is the primary regional repository for primary-source and historically-significant materials documenting this region's rich and diverse past. We are investing more in retaining and curating these materials. But we are sorely lacking in our current space allocations on the 3rd floor for the materials and the staff who support its retention and use.
These are but two examples among many.
It is our vital responsibility to work to ensure our main library is well positioned to continue our excellent service. We have completed an RFP to engage a design firm to help lead the process to reimagine and rebalance the Rawlings Library holistically and respectful of the original building design but in-step with current and future service delivery.
This project from conception to ultimate build-out will run over multiple years--at least two and possibly three or four, largely depending upon funding availability.
The initial portion of the project will take place over the course of the final six months of 2018. The scope of this preliminary phase is to engage stakeholders, make decisions regarding current and projected space needs, and prepare conceptual design and cost estimates. Input here is expected to consist of a start-up meeting, multiple stakeholder meetings and focus groups, summation/findings meetings with two-three concept choices presented along with cost estimates, and a final report and concepts.
The design firms PCCLD has engaged to carry-out this important work is Humphries-Poli Architects working in partnership with HBM Architects. Many of you will remember Humphries-Poli. This firm was principal for the Pueblo West Library expansion in 2007. Humphries-Poli (www.hparch.com) has an impressive resume in public library design, including significant recent work with the Denver Public Library on the main library there. Partnering with Humphries-Poli is HBM Architects (www.hbmarchitects.com). This firm also possesses important public library design experience, including the Pikes Peak Library District's 21C Library. These two firms together are responsible for dozens of public libraries across the country in recent years and are at the forefront of public library design trends.
I look forward to sharing additional information about this project as it rolls out beginning later this month. Staff from throughout the district will play an important role in this.