Durango Public Library Community | Education | Environment

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The IdeaThe Durango Public Library is the result of the city’s commitment to its community and the environment.

it is the fi rst LEED gold Certifi ed Library in southwestern Colorado and is an excellent example of

how design, innovation and sustainability can come together to meet the needs of a highly diverse

community.

Each day we hear about sustainable efforts and green technologies in the news, on the internet

and from our co-workers but what does all of this really mean? For many it focuses primarily on the

environment but for the Durango Public Library it means so much more.

“it was important that the new library facility meet the needs of the community fi rst and foremost.

Sustainability takes a holistic approach that considers both people and the environment. it is wonderful

when a building is environmentally friendly but it must also be functional and meet the needs of the

community for today and tomorrow,” said Sherry Taber, Durango Public Library Director from ‘99-’09.

The 42,000 square foot, 2-story building is centrally located in town with easy access to public transit

and biking and walking paths. it currently houses a collection of over 108,699 volumes including books,

magazines, journals, newspapers, videos, DVDs and CDs.

it is built in accordance to the united States green Building Council guidelines and incorporates both

innovative and “green” features.

At a GlanceDurango Public LibrarySize: 42,000 SFSite: 7.5 acresCost: $19 million including site and constructionCirculation/Volumes: 108,699LEED gold Certifi ed

The Durango Library TeamThe Residents of Durango and La Plata CountyThe City of DurangoDurango City CouncilDurango Library Staff and VolunteersBarker Rinker Seacat Architecture Okland ConstructionDHM DesignEnermodal Engineering, inc.Anders DahlgrenMason and Associates

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The EvolutionPreviously housed in a 101 year old, Carnegie Era, 15,000 square foot building it became apparent that

the library size and layout was hampering the library’s ability to meet the needs of the community.

To validate this need in 2000 the city hired Mason and Associates, a consulting fi rm, to complete a

needs assessment and community research. Once it was confi rmed that Durango needed a new public

library with adequate space, services, staffi ng and technology to meet the needs of the present and

future community, the city got to work. The fi rst steps were to enlist city council members and business

leaders to support the project, secure funding through a sales tax initiative and other fundraising efforts

and then select a location.

The city hired a team of experts including Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture, DHM Design, Enermodal

Engineering and Okland Construction to complete the site selection, design, planning and build-out.

Based on community feedback and the desire to support the environment, the city also chose to build a

“green” facility and to pursue its uSgBC LEED certifi cation, a voluntary certifi cation process focused on

sustainable buildings and design.

Top Left: Previous Durango Public Library.Bottom Left: New Durango Public Library. Opened in December 2008.

5“ it really is about doing the right thing at the right spot”

The SiteThe site selection played an integral part in defi ning the overall look and feel of the space. The site was

also a critical element for pursuing the LEED certifi cation.

The city considered numerous locations both in and out of downtown but it was determined that the

best location for the library was the former Mercy Hospital location on East 3rd Avenue. Since the

location was a previously developed site it encouraged redevelopment and smart growth. it also offered

shared parking, close proximity to city amenities and infrastructure and the opportunity to support the

river corridor.

Located next to the Animas River, the site also provided a number of unique opportunities to connect

with the community and the environment. The library can be accessed by bike, walking paths, public

transit in town and by car. it also enjoys river views, signifi cant open space and regional landscaping.

“it really is about doing the right thing at the right spot,”said Chris Sill of Okland Construction.

Left: Durango Library as viewed from the Animas River.

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“bring the outside inside”

Design and ArchitectureCreating a multi-use space that captured the true essence of Durango while incorporating community

needs and green technologies was essential. Known for its amazing mountain views and active

residents and their love for the outdoors it was determined that the space needed to “bring the outside

inside.” it was also important to embrace Durango’s rich culture and history and to provide a welcoming

environment for residents and visitors alike within a manageable budget.

To accomplish these goals, the design team fi rst looked at the location and position of the building on

the site. The building needed to be positioned to take advantage of the views, open space and sunlight

to allow for the most effi cient and desirable use of daylighting and passive solar. Design elements

include large windows and seating areas overlooking the Animas River; window overhangs to limit

sun exposure on east and west facing windows; a slender promenade down the front of the building

providing natural lighting throughout the building and sky views; and the use of regional plants and

drought tolerant grasses for lawns and community open space.

To really bring the outside inside the design team created a four-season building that weaves elements

of the natural environment into the built environment.

Outdoor patios and decks for use in both summer and winter months link the interior space to outside

seating areas. During the summer, east and west facing patios are covered with colorful awnings and

northern patios are available to escape the heat.

Upper Left: Enjoying the outdoors.Upper Right: The La Plata Peaks.Lower: Large windows provide natural lighting and river views.

Left: Quiet Reading Room.Upper Right: Winding Ramp to the Children’s Library.Lower Left: Large windows in Promenade offer natural light.Lower Right: Colorful awnings on the Children’s Patio.

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Looking for a way to bring the Children’s Library closer to the riverbank, the design team used a winding

ramp as an entrance that mirrors a river path but also provides a way for staff and parents to orient

visitors when entering.

Natural surfaces such as brick and masonry and local colors can be found throughout the library.

Colors include greens and golds that refl ect local grasses and plants as well as rich purples and browns

that match the colors of the La Plata Peaks and seasonal fl owers. Colors in the children’s library were

enhanced to be more playful and fun.

To embrace Durango’s rich culture and history the design team needed to balance the past with the

present. “The community wanted to keep the Carnegie Tradition while integrating with the architecture of

the neighborhood. They also wanted to provide an open and welcoming look,” said Bruce Flynn of Barker

Rinker Seacat Architecture.

The design uses modest materials and brick to tie into traditional and formal architecture of the past

while incorporating stone masonry and stucco to provide a more updated look and to blend with the

natural environment of the Four Corners Region. The design also incorporates a photo timeline as part

of the upper promenade.

“ The community wanted to keep the Carnegie Tradition while integrating with the architecture of the neighborhood.”

Upper Left: Marmoleum, a natural linoleum fl ooring material is used in the staff area and the Children’s Reading Room.Upper Right: Brick is used to refl ect the traditional and formal architecture of the past.Lower Left: Window awnings aid in increasing energy effi ciency.Lower Right: View of the library from Fort Lewis College.

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CommunityThe primary goal of the library has always been to meet the informational and educational needs of

the community. Viewing the new library as an opportunity, the library expanded its goals to provide the

community with a central location for culture and communication.“The library is an exceptional space

and will be very good for the community,” said Rita Curtis, Children’s Librarian.

Cultural aspects of the library include an extensive collection of local history books and other resources;

rotating art exhibits; a Southwest History Room featuring displays from the Center of Southwest Studies

at Fort Lewis College; and an extensive art collection from local and world known artists. The art

collection includes Life Wall by Willa Shalit and Dean Ericson, My Children by Allan Houser and Turbo

Books inspired by a spiral galaxy by Carl Stransky.

Communication elements were also incorporated into the library space. These elements include

computers and internet access to encourage communication with the outside world; a Teen Library

featuring café style seating and magnetic white boards for brainstorming ideas; A Children’s Library

that offers weekly story time, a puppet theater, kid size computer stations and reading areas; private

study rooms for adults and children; community meeting rooms; and regular library programs and other

community events.

Upper: Life Wall by Willa Shalit and Dean Ericson.Lower Left: My Children by Allan Houser. Lower Right: Southwest History Room.

Left: The Library is centrally located beside the Animas River Trail.Right Upper: Self-check out makes borrowing all Library books easy. Turbo Books by Carl Stransky is on display in this area.Right Lower Left: Teen Area Café seating.Right Lower Right: The Children’s Puppet Theater.

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SustainabilityWith a strong commitment to the environment the City of Durango made building “green” a priority and

chose to pursue its uSgBC LEED Certifi cation, a voluntary certifi cation process focused on sustainable

buildings and design. This decision was based on feedback from the community and the understanding

of the benefi ts of building sustainable. Some of these benefi ts are lower maintenance costs, less

energy and water usage, improved indoor air quality, and reduced CO2 emissions and environmental

impact.

Sustainable strategies and innovations were used throughout the construction and occupancy process

including an integrative approach to design, planning and build-out. This approach allowed for ongoing

communication and clear understanding of sustainability goals and priorities. The key areas considered

in the sustainable design process were site selection, water effi ciency, energy and atmosphere,

materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and regional needs.

Many of these strategies can be viewed and experienced both inside and outside the library and led to

the library’s award of LEED gold by the united States green Building Council in August 2009.

The Durango Library is the fi rst LEED gold Certifi ed Library in southwestern Colorado.

Top Photo: Porous landscape retention pond reduces runoff.Lower Photos: The Library is accessible by foot, bike or public transit.

50 % INDOOR WATER SAVINGS

23 % REGIONAL MATERIALS USED

72 % CONSTRUCTION WASTE DIVERTED

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Additional innovative strategies were also implemented

to address regional and site specifi c needs. in particular

due to the library’s close proximity to the Animas River

special precautions were implemented to mitigate building

and parking lot runoff into the river. These precautions

included the reduction of hard surface parking by using

shared parking, roof drains and porous landscape

retention ponds.

As with most new technologies and innovations, it is

important to continue to track and evaluate performance,

durability and functionality therefore the city will monitor

energy costs, water usage and other features and make

modifi cations as needed.

LEED® FactsDurango Public Library

LEED for New Construction Certifi cationAwarded August 25, 2009

Gold 47/69

Sustainable Sites 13/14

Easy access by bus, foot, bike

Maximize Open Space 52.8%

Water Effi ciency 3/5

irrigation Savings 56.5%

indoor use Savings 50.1%

Energy and Atmosphere 11/17

Energy Savings 39.9%

green Power Purchased 70%

Materials & Resources 4/13

Construction Waste Diverted 72%

Recycled Content used 17%

Regional Materials used 23%

Indoor Environment Quality 12/15

Superior Air Quality and Occupant Comfort

Innovation & Design 4/5

Exemplary Water usage Reduction

Exemplary green Power Purchase

Exemplary Performance Maximize Open SpaceUpper Left: Removable fl oor tiles makesaccessing HVAC and other systems easy.Lower Left: Automated Book Handling SystemLower Right: Dual fl ush toilet.

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Site SelectionChoosing the right location was an essential part of the process. The city chose a redevelopment site

beside the Animas River that is accessible by foot, bike or public transit and close to city amenities.

The site also provides signifi cant opportunity for river views, access to open space and natural lighting.

given its proximity to the river special precautions are in place to minimize building and parking lot

runoff into the river including the reduction of hard surface parking by using shared and car pool

parking, roof drains, landscape trenches and a porous retention pond that captures and fi lters storm

water runoff.

Water Effi ciencyWater is a precious resource that can no longer be taken for granted. The library uses several strategies

to conserve and reduce both outdoor and indoor water usage by 50%. The library incorporates water

effi cient landscaping with native and adaptive plants thus reducing its use of potable water. The use of

native plants also lends itself to the natural environment of the river corridor. indoor water conservation

strategies include low-fl ow fi xtures and water closet, dual fl ush toilets and auto shut off faucets.

Left Top: Porous Retention Pond.

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Indoor Environmental QualityAccording to the Environmental Protection Agency Americans spend 90% of their time indoors and

often the air quality inside has a higher concentration of pollutants than outdoors. Since air quality

is known to impact human health it is important to reduce the number of pollutants in the air. it is

also important to provide a comfortable and well-lit environment. To accomplish this the Library uses

low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emitting materials in furnishings, paints and carpets and uses

nontoxic adhesives and sealants. in addition the Library maximizes daylighting and river views, provides

individual task lighting, and operates a state-of-the-art HVAC system designed to regulate temperatures

and ensure proper ventilation throughout the building.

The Durango Library achieved 47 out of 69 available points to be awarded LEED gold Certifi cation from

the uSgBC. This accomplishment demonstrates a clear commitment to the environment. To continue

this commitment the Library will track and evaluate performance, durability and functionality of the

building, its systems and its costs to ensure its ability to serve the community and be sustainable for

years to come.

Energy and AtmosphereAccording to the uS Department of Energy, buildings consume 39% of the energy and 74% of the

electricity produced annually in the united States. in addition energy production causes CO2 emissions.

To reduce energy usage and CO2 emissions, the library uses a number of strategies including high

effi ciency lighting, localized task lighting, dimmers and auto controls, high performance low E-glazing

windows, and an under fl oor HVAC system designed to regulate temperatures throughout the building.

The library also uses passive solar techniques such as window overhangs to limit sun exposure on east

and west facing windows and large windows on north and south facing sides of the building.

Materials and ResourcesBuilding development uses a lot of resources therefore it is important to consider the materials and

resources carefully to minimize waste and ensure high-quality durable materials are used. Through

careful planning and implementation of a waste management plan the Library was able to divert 72% of

construction waste from landfi lls. in addition, the Library chose local masonry and stone and recycled

steel and concrete.

Left: Passive Solar Diagram.This Page Left: Recycling bins are located throughout the library. This Page Right: Large windows provide daylighting.

Porous Landscape

Retention Pond and Trenches

Porous Landscape

Retention Pond and Trenches

Fuel Efficient and

Carpool Parking

Promenade and

Historical Timeline

SW History Room

My Children by Allan Houser

Sustainable Features

Design and Community Features

Quiet Reading Room

Community Rooms

Children’s Library

Children’s Patio

Teen Library

Reference

Area

River Lounge

River Lounge

Patio and Life Wall

Durango Transit Stop Animas

RiverTrail

Native

and Adaptive Landscaping

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Public Bike Racks

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Open Space

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Durango Public Library 1900 East 3rd Avenue Durango, CO 81301 970-375-3380

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