Adding 18,895 square feet to our existing building will give us a total
of 34, 190 square feet to house a growing collection and handle expanded
services. Parking will be available under the expansion and 680 square
foot courtyards are in the works. Floor plans are still being developed, based on input
from taxpayer surveys and focus groups, and the combined vision of
library staff, the library Board of Directors, and Building Expansion Work sessions.
The new library will be comprised of three basic sections, with its
own unique look and set of functions. Each will be comprised of flexible
interior space, with environmental green areas playing an integral part
wherever possible. We have designated these areas as Commons, Library
Proper, and Classic Library.
Since the current facility construction in 1994, we have received regular positive and encouraging comments regarding the feeling that users and visitors enjoy in the library—its open feel and infusion of natural light. Both of these features were carried over into design for the expanded library. We want a library that makes maximum use of natural light, is environmentally friendly inside and out, avoids visual and physical barriers, and situates itself physically and socially in the Beach’s community environment.
This building project calls on us to respond to new expectations and opportunities. While technology plays a big role in today’s libraries, bits and bytes tell only part of the story and our mission. The attractiveness of the traditional library environment of quiet study and reflective learning remains undiminished.
The Library Commons on the third floor of the expansion will be a transparent multifunctional space, a gathering point for the public, with facilities not only for lectures, seminars, and a computer lab, but
to attract new users and redefine the role of the library in the social tapestry of the Beach community. The Library Commons will include The Friends of the Library bookstore, a café, copy center, gathering area, and community area.
The gathering area of The Library Commons will provide space for people to gather outside of the computer lab, the community room and café. Those with their own laptops can access the Internet wirelessly in the gathering area. At the café, library users will enjoy coffee and light snacks while socializing in warm, inviting, and informal atmosphere. It will be a place to wait for one’s friends and family, to take a break before or after library programs or events in the public community room. Its relaxed environment will exemplify the calm and friendly character of the Beach and its library.
The copy center will be a dedicated space where patrons may copy materials and where faxes may be sent.
State-of-the-art computer workstations and a central instructor’s station for conducting classes will enable participants and patrons to learn essentials of computer hardware and software in a hands-on environment.
The Community room will consist of two spaces with multiple uses and flexible formats. The larger of the two will have audience seating to accommodate library programs, small public forums, continuing education, and lectures, conferences and training sessions. The smaller meeting room will be an open space without amplification.
The new library will be able to be kept up-to-date amid changing
technologies, while honoring the enduring and unchanging qualities that
are the essence of a vibrant library, such attributes as light, color,
delight, learning, anticipation, and adventure.
We pride ourselves on service. We believe that by utilizing
available options, such as self-checkout, we will enhance services to
our users. Staff will be more directly available to the public, better
able to move through out the library, and better able to devote more
time to in-depth assistance to patrons.
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