Libraries for All
www.spl.org/lfa/index.html
Capital Program Office:
capital.program@spl.org
1000 4th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104-1193
(206) 386-4624
© 1999 Seattle Public Library
Universal Branch Building Program: Return to UBBP Table of Contents
1.2 Adjacencies 1.3 Design Issues 1.4 Components and Furnishings 1.41 Exterior Area 1.42 Lobby publish date: 14 March 2000
1.0 Public Entrance and Lobby1.1 Function
The single public entrance to the library should be easily visible, well-lighted and welcoming, setting the tone for the library. The design should be such that the layout of the library clearly unfolds upon entry. It should be of sufficient size to allow access to the library, multipurpose program room and restrooms. It will also house community notices and distribution items. It should be designed so that the meeting/multipurpose room, restrooms, drinking fountain and public telephone are accessible when the rest of the library is closed.
Circulation Area
Reference Desk
Meeting/Multipurpose Room
Restrooms
The entrance should be as close as possible to the arrival point of pedestrians from the public sidewalk, bus stop, and parking area.
The lobby will be designed so that the public can have access to the meeting/multipurpose room and restrooms even when the library is closed.
People must be able to exit the library and lobby doors even when they are locked to prevent additional people from entering.
A highly prominent open/closed sign should be visible from the street. A neon sign should be considered.
A library hours sign, visible from outside the library, should be at the entrance. A library hours sign should also be visible from the street and from the parking lot. All hours signs should be easily altered to reflect changes in open hours.
If possible an off street loading/unloading area for people and materials return should be provided.
The lobby should act as an environmental buffer, preventing drafts from entering the main library areas.
Both sets of double doors, from the street and into the main portion of the library, should be equipped with push-button electronic controls to open at least one leaf for handicapped access.
The lobby design needs to minimize potential drafts from frequently opening doors and glare from lobby windows.
The lobby, including restroom access, should be in line of sight from the circulation or reference/information desk. If it is not clearly visible, an alternative method should be used to monitor the area.
Distribution and posting of community information will be limited to the lobby area. Slot wall with acrylic poster holders and distribution bins as well as adjustable cubbies for free newspapers are required.
A lockable, lighted built in wall display space for use by the community and the library should also be located in the lobby.
Display and distribution points for library information such as posters, bookmarks, flyers, etc. should be included in the layout of the library. Library information should be displayed and distributed in the library proper rather than the lobby area. A system wide standardization of specialized, high quality dispensers should be made so that replacement and additional holders will be available as needed. To be avoided: miscellaneous handouts and containers on service desks, shelving units and tables.
Electronic door counters will be installed at the entrance to the library from the lobby.
A lockable exterior book drop sheltered from the rain should be located near the entrance. The book drop should have separate slots for media, adult and children's books set at appropriate levels for disabled persons and children, which empty into a fireproof book drop room adjacent to the workroom. At least one slot should be appropriately sized to handle Sunday papers and other large items. There should be a nearby shelf to rest items while using the book drops.
A bike rack, also sheltered if possible, should also be located nearby and visible from within the library if possible.
A trash can and cigarette disposal unit should be outside the entry, placed so that smoke will not enter the lobby. These items should be of good quality, easily maintained, and attached to the ground or building. The cigarette disposal unit and trash container should have covered tops to screen the contents.
The floor covering should include recessed walk off mats.
An area should be designed for community information and giveaway materials. This should contain slot wall with various sizes of acrylic holders for posted and distribution items. Brochures, flyers and posters up to 11" x 17" can be accommodated in this manner. Built in adjustable cubbies for distribution of larger items is also needed. There should be a minimum of 200 sq. ft. of slot wall with cubbies.
A public telephone at wheelchair level, programmed for outgoing calls only.
Drinking fountains at code required levels.
Lockable, lighted built in wall display space.
Electronic people counter.