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
11.2 Adjacencies 11.3 Design Issues 11.4 Components and Furnishings publish date: 14 March 2000
11.0 Public Restrooms
Lobby
Meeting Room
Public Areas
Since the library is designed with the ability for the meeting room to be used during library closed hours, the restrooms need to be accessible from the lobby.
The restrooms must meet local and ADA code requirements.
Patron safety must be carefully considered in the location and design of the rest rooms.
Restrooms should be lockable.
The restrooms need to be designed with maintenance and durability in mind. Walls should have a surface cleanable to the ceiling. Stall dividers should be hung from the ceiling or walls if adequate bracing is possible. No trash containers should be placed on the floor and floor drains should be installed.
Excellent venting is very important, incorporating a window if possible.
There should be coat hooks and a pull down bookshelf in each stall with additional coat hooks and a package shelf in the washing area.
The sinks and toilets should have automatic electronic controls.
Care should be taken that the soap dispensers are mounted so that drips go into the sink, not onto the floors or counters.
Mirrors should be mounted on a wall over a package shelf rather than behind the sinks for ease of access.
Both electric dryers and paper towels will be provided. A paper towel dispenser that discourages pulling large number of towels out at a time should be identified (Tork brand or similar product).
The design should mount all items possible to keep equipment off the floor to improve the ability to clean the rest rooms.
Waste bins should be built in and conveniently located.
Diaper changing tables should be included in all bathrooms. A built in counter is preferred to the commercially available changing trays.
Consider stroller maneuverability in the design.
Care should be taken in mounting toilet paper and toilet seat cover dispensers, sanitary disposal units and any other equipment so that people do not hit them in moving around in the stall.
A children's restroom should be included in the 10,000 and 15,000 square foot buildings, using the lowest size standard fixtures.
At least code required number of fixtures
Wall mounted waste containers
Sinks with built in soap dispensers
Coat hooks and shelves for books in each room and stall
Sanitary disposal units mounted in each stall in women's and unisex bathrooms
Mirror
Diaper changing area in each bathroom except staff
Towel dispenser and electric hand dryers