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Libraries for All
 Capital Program Office:
 capital.program@spl.org
1000 Fourth Ave.
Seattle, WA 98104
206-386-4624

 
SEATTLE CENTRAL LIBRARY
Public Work Group- Older Adults
Meeting #1, January 10, 2000

 

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 WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT?

  • GOOD LIGHTING
  • QUIET READING AREAS
  • ABILITY TO NAVIGATE EASILY WITHOUT ASSISTANCE
  • ENOUGH SPACE
  • LOW NOISE LEVEL
  • GOOD COLORS
  • COMFORTABLE SEATING
  • GOOD INFORMATION DESKS
  • GOOD TELEPHONE SERVICE (THE MORE YOU CAN DO OVER THE PHONE, THE BETTER)

  1. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN THE NEW LIBRARY?
    • Day lighting- important for the eyes. Fluorescent “flicker” tires the eyes.
    • No shadows/no reflections.
    • Places to sit next to the windows for daylight.
    • Spotlights.
    • Lighting that combats “S.A.D.” (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
    • Escalators on both North and South ends.
    • Lots of ramps for good handicap access.
    • Carpeting- especially to insulate noise. (Is it difficult for wheelchairs to get around on carpet?)
    • Hardwood floors (Hard to clean? Expensive?).
    • Study carrols (Ability to reserve the carrol.).
    • Places for small groups to meet (Up to 6.).
    • More comfortable seating.
      • Footstools.
    • More printers.
  2. LIBRARY SERVICES DESIRED?
    • Assistance in learning computers. Computer literacy (MAC and PC).
    • Another downtown location to drop off books (Bon Marche or Post Office).
    • Access program- Have regularly scheduled pick-up times/locations.
    • Field trips organized through library (Example: “Hike on Pike”, behind the scenes- symphony, etc.).
    • Foster connections between senior centers and library.
      • Transportation, educational programs (offered at centers).
    • Classes: Literature, “How to use the library”, Computers, E.S.L., Literacy- tutoring (even for patrons currently using the library).
    • Publicity of events- advertise more than once.
    • Book discussion groups (beyond modern/contemporary fiction).
    • Political/contemporary issues discussions.
    • More afternoon programs.
    • Furniture- sofas, floor lamps, portable tables to use with comfortable chairs (similar to bed-table in hospital).
    • Signage:
      • Bigger lettering. Printed floor plans (hand-outs) at the entrances (But drawings are hard to read for some people.). Current signage too distracting. Signs to describe basic departments on that floor. Currently ask staff for directions.
    • Lighter colors.
    • Interior design: Focus on history.
    • Color-coded floors (each floor a different color).
    • Top and bottom shelves hard to access.
    • Shelves that revolve (can be raised up to access books).
    • Café – issues with food/drink and the materials.
      • Prices in a public facility? Price to be affordable.
    • Large globe/model of solar system (in geography area).
    • Shuttle service between Branches/Central.
    • Information desks essential – At main entrances. Volunteers/students available to help show people around. At main floors oriented to that floor. Magnifying glasses available.
    • Information about new technology- Printed. Demonstrated (potentially more than once). Someone to make suggestions to use technology more efficiently. Different types of new technology with tutorial.
    • Sell “discards” (items destined for Friends’ sales) in the library more often.
    • Information about events going on in the city.
    • Weekly movies – film series.
    • VCR’s available to view videos.
    • TV with cable/educational programming access.

 

Content modified: 27 March 2000

 

12/31/2004

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