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© 1999 Seattle Public Library

Universal Branch Building Program:
10.0 Meeting/ Multipurpose Room

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10.1 Function

The meeting room will function as a multipurpose facility for library and community programs. It will be used for adult and children's programs and meetings and art displays. It may be booked for use during closed hours by community groups.

10.2 Adjacencies

Primary

Lobby
Restrooms
Public Telephone

Secondary

Children's Area

10.3 Design Issues

The meeting room will be designed so that the public may gain entry and leave through the lobby whether the library is open or not.

Meeting room seating capacities:

  5,000 square foot building – 40 persons
  7,000 square foot building – 60 persons
10,000 square foot building – 75 persons
15,000 square foot building – 90 persons

The room will be used in several configurations: auditorium, classroom and informal floor-seating programs for children.

Walker duct or other electronic and data line system needs to be installed to allow flexibility and potential use as a computer training classroom and cleaning.

The meeting rooms should be wired to allow for anticipated use for distance learning and interactive video.

State of the art overhead video and data projection capability will be included in all 10,000 and 15,000 square foot branches.

A separate direct lockable entrance from the children's area is desirable.

Windows are desirable, but the room needs to be able to be easily darkened with blinds or other means.

In 5,000 and 7,000 square foot branches, the room may also be used for group or silent study and will need a window wall and doorway into the library to allow for visual supervision from the reference/information desk area.

Adequate lockable storage to house all the chairs and tables is needed so that the room can be cleared for children's programming.

At least one separate, deep lockable closet needs to be provided for children's programming materials and a separate closet for audiovisual equipment.

A kitchenette for providing light refreshments needs to be behind lockable doors.

Lighting controls need to be both at the front of the room accessible to presenters and at the entrances. Larger meeting rooms should have controls that allow dimming of various parts of the room independently of each other.

The walls should be of a tackable surface and incorporate picture rails for art displays and presentations. Lighting should be designed to enhance the viewing of art.

Other areas in the library should be identified for public art display, wherever possible, to meet community needs and interests. Lighting for viewing the art should be included.

10.4 Components and Furnishings

Signage outside entrance to indicate meeting in progress
Coat rack in alcove
Hooks for children's coats
Tackable wall covering
Picture rack for art displays
Projection screen, ceiling mounted, electronically lowered and raised
Whiteboard with hinged doors, adjacent to, not behind screen
Stacking chairs
Folding tables, light weight
Deep wall storage closets for chairs and tables, children's programming supplies and audiovisual equipment
Kitchenette alcove with sink, cupboards and counter behind lockable doors.
Power service for projectors, computers throughout the room