Brewster Ladies’ Library

Building Program

Library Feasibility CommitteeJoan Cassidy, Co-ChairKathy Cockcroft, Co-ChairEileen BergquistEd DucharmeJeff GardnerChris Kenney

Library Building CommitteeJoan CassidyKathy CockcroftJeff GardnerChris KenneyCharlie Sumner

Approved by the Brewster Ladies’ Library Board of Directors July 7, 2015Approved by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners August 4, 2015

Executive Summary

For 147 years, the Brewster Ladies’ Library has thrived as an important center of cultural activity for Brewster and nearby communities. The Brewster Ladies’ Library is located in the center of the Town on the historic Old King’s Highway. The building, within walking distance of schools, Town Hall, the Council of Aging, the Brewster General Store and the Captain Elijah Cobb House, the soon to be new home of the Brewster Historical Society, is conveniently located for walkers, bikers and drivers. Since the Library opened its doors at 1822 Main Street on January 24, 1868, there have been three additions to the building. The Library currently occupies two of the three levels and 16,000 of the 22,000 square feet.

Brewster is a seaside town with a year round population of 9,800. The population gradually increases starting mid-April, peaking at a population of 35,000 mid-summer, and slowly returns to 9,800 level mid-November. The Library’s current service population is 14,822 and the projected service population for 2034 is 13,670. Of the year round population, 53% are over 55 years of age.

The Library meets the needs of the community through a variety of services; collections held both locally and through the CLAMS network; e-content; mobile computing, programming for all ages; and as a meeting space for gatherings and lifelong learning.

As part of the constant effort to serve the community, surveys were conducted and focus groups held in 2011 and 2015. The needs identified reflect an evolution in the make-up of the user population, advancements in technology, growth in the need for space for community activities and greater reliance on the Library for services and access to the external world. The building program responds to these needs by primarily focusing on reconfiguring and improving the existing library structure. It calls for a flexible, more efficient use of space, including: greater community uses; enhancements in computer technology; expansion of study and reading spaces; improved teen and children’s areas; more efficient use of the book sale area; enhancements in access by the handicapped; improved restrooms and expansion of staff work areas.

Important facility, public service and operational issues in this building program include the following:

•Lack of quiet study rooms for individuals

•Insufficient seating and seating that cannot be coordinated with electrical outlets

•Lack of programming space for children

•Undersized space for general and genealogical/local history collections

•Cramped staff workspace

•Insufficient meeting space

•Inadequate access to materials for patrons

•Poor acoustics on the main floor

The building program calls for changes that are in compliance with MBLC and ADA requirements and the need for a “green” facility.

It is important to note that the building program does not assume design solutions to accommodate the Library’s space needs. The architect will use the building program as a tool to create a design the will meet the community’s current and twenty year library and information needs.

The Library and its Community

Brewster

Brewster, situated on Cape Cod Bay, has over six miles of coastline. Native Americans lived in the area for thousands of years, attracted by its river and natural gifts of the land.

In the second half of the seventeenth century, Governors William Bradford, Thomas Prence, and others from the Plymouth colony purchased or were gifted these lands from Sauquatucket tribal leaders Wano and Sachemas.

The seventeenth century Cape Cod economy was largely agricultural. By the end of the eighteenth century, the Cape economy was heavily maritime based. Cod and mackerel fishing thrived in the bay, while onshore whaling kept the beaches and sand flats busy. Salt works became a thriving industry. By 1809, sixty thousand feet of salt works lined the shore.

As the century advanced with the growth of mills and factories, Brewster’s identity remained associated with the sea. Packet ships transported goods and passengers to and from Boston. Clipper ships revolutionized marine architecture and took the lead in international commerce. In the year 1850 alone, fifty shipmasters resided in Brewster.

Today, Brewster residents and visitors are drawn to the town's many natural features: numerous freshwater ponds, walking trails, beaches, a bike trail, old sea Captain’s homes, and the unique environment of the Brewster flats, the widest expanse of tidal flats in North America.

Brewster has a year round population of 9,820 that swells to 35,000 during the summer. The median age in Brewster is 57.9. The town has no community or commercial center and remains essentially rural. The Library is located in the center of the town and serves many of the functions of a community center. It is the only building in town providing free meeting space to the public.

Two Brewster elementary schools serve 483 students in grades K-5, projected enrollment for 2015-16 is 509.The town is a member of the Nauset Regional School System. Students in grades six through twelve attend the regional school system: 560 students are enrolled in the middle school and 974 at the high school.

The Library’s current service population is 14,822, including the nonresident card holders and the town population.

The Library’s projected service population for 2034 is 13,670.

The Library’s History

In 1850 and 1851, the idea of a library for Brewster began with two young girls who “lamented the scanty supply of books." Pastor Frederick Newell of the First Parish Church was consulted and twelve girls, members of the girls' history class, became the founders of the future Brewster Ladies’ Library. Captain Mayo donated a small bookcase in his home and one of the girls volunteered as librarian. More space became available with the offer of the use of one of the parsonage’s front rooms. Funds were raised to build a library and on January 23, 1868, Brewster celebrated the dedication of a new library. An addition to the Library followed in 1877. Augusta Mayo, one of the girls, had earlier said, dreaming of a future for the Library, "Won't it be grand!" The dream of two young girls who wanted a “Circulating Library” for their town had been fulfilled.

In the 1950s, the second addition to the Library was constructed. The popularity and use of the Library continued to grow and plans were made for another addition. On September 27, 1977, one hundred years after the first addition, the community gathered to celebrate the dedication of the new addition to the Brewster Ladies' Library. In the 1990s, another addition was built, bringing the Library to its present condition.

A spring 2011 survey indicated that the community is very satisfied with the library but would like an improved web site, more programs, and additional hours. The Library currently has fifteen public computers and provides Wi-Fi both in and outside the building and is open 5 days a week, Tuesday through Saturday. Computer utilization among patrons is high. In 2009, the Library established a teen room equipped with computers and study and reading areas. On its two closed days, patrons can use the Library’s parking lot and steps as a Wi-Fi location. As a result of patron desires expressed in the 2011 survey, the Library is open Sunday from1:00 to 4:00 p.m. during the winter months and a new website was launched in 2013.

The Library provides a variety of events open to the community: concerts, author presentations, book discussions, children's and teens' events, concerts, and foreign films. All are well attended.

Library Mission Statement

The mission of the Brewster Ladies’ Library is to be a cultural and life-long community center that provides free access to a range of resources, activities and professional assistance to further enhance the quality of life.

Library Service Roles

Stimulate the imagination by providing the community with a variety of materials.

Provide residents with the means and skills to find the information they need through technology and professional assistance.

Provide ease of access to materials for all residents.

Provide opportunities for lifelong learning through programing, lectures and educational series.

Provide the community with an accessible and welcoming space to meet and interact with others.

Values

The Brewster Ladies’ Library Board of Directors and Staff endorse the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read of the American Library Association.

PLANNING

In 2012, the Brewster Ladies' Library received a bequest from the Nickerson Foundation to help the Library remain a permanent resource to the community and its citizens. The bequest prompted the Library Board to consider the Library's future.

In 2012 and 2015, the Board conducted two online surveys of its membership. Each survey netted more than 300 returns. The first survey focused on perceived patron needs; the second asked patrons to indicate their priorities among building improvements from a list of possibilities. Both surveys produced similar patron emphases. Table 1 indicates the most frequently cited priorities for building improvements; Table 2 describes the most frequently cited priorities for services to patrons.

Table 1

Survey 2 Respondents’ Priorities for Building Improvements

Seating with electrical outlets45.9%More outdoor seating capacity32.0%Enlarged adult area28.4%Additional technology and computers28.4%Improved book store area28.0%Improved handicap accessibility18.7%More study rooms17.9%Dedicated children’s story time space16.4%

Table 2

Survey 2 Respondents’ Priorities for Increased Services to Patrons

Adult/continuing education71.3%Arts programs51.4%Computer training43.9%Children’s reading programs38.5%Book discussion groups36.8%

Survey 2 provided information about patron residency status, frequency and purpose of library utilization, and age. In terms of age, 10% of the respondents were between 18 and 44; 19.3% were between 45 and 60, and 70% of the respondents were 61 and older, including 16.7% who were 75 or older. Respondents were 74% female and 26% male. They were primarily Brewster residents (63%), and 44.2% were dues-paying members of the Brewster Ladies’ Library Association.

Other key incidents and events crucial to the planning process occurred during the past year. At the May 5, 2014 Town Meeting, citizens voted unanimously to authorize the Library Board to proceed with a feasibility study to consider options for expanding and renovating the building. In February 2015, Ms. Maureen Sullivan, past president of the American Library Association, led three focus groups on the Library, public perceptions and perceived needs. Group attendance ranged from 13 to 17. Early discussions tended to focus on the participants' fondness for the Library. Comments like "...we love our library," "...it is the family room of Brewster," and "it is the heart of the community" were common.

Much has been learned from the two surveys and the focus meetings. Many suggestions for improvement of Library process and function emerged. Among these were the following:

*Update technology and provide additional, private space for patron utilization

*Provide better space and appropriate furniture for children including enclosed area for activities and story hour

*Refurbish teen area with private areas for study and discussion

*Provide additional space for the many programs offered

*Develop lifelong learning programs

*Design space with movable furniture for a variety of purposes

*Develop plan for effective use of large basement room while accommodating the summer book sale

*Sufficient shelving to provide easy access to materials

*Improve access to the Library, update elevator

*Provide better space for staff including private work areas and a lounge area.

*Upgrade and expand toilet facilities

*Update Library interior with fresh paint, new carpeting and comfortable furniture

*Provide additional outdoor areas for reading and meeting

*Retain the historic reading rooms, the ambience and architectural openness, the "community center" aspect, and high program quality and service level.

EXISTING STRUCTURE

The Brewster Ladies’ Library is located on Main Street one block from the center of town. The original structure opened on January 24, 1868. There was an addition in 1877. Two more additions followed, the first in 1977 and the last in 1997. The exterior of the building is a lovely blend of architecture and color.

The parking lot is in the rear of the Library with additional space available at the adjoining First Baptist Church parking lot for overcrowded events. Plans are underway for increased parking in cooperation with the church. Patrons enter the 22,000 square-foot library through doors at the front, rear, side, and lower level. The side and lower level entries are handicap accessible. The Library has three floors, the main floor, lower level, and the basement floor. Staircases and an elevator provide patron access to all levels.

The overall appearance upon one’s entry to the main portion of the Library is attractive. Frequently changed posters and pictures present a colorful picture. Paintings and reproductions hang on the walls. The heavily loaded stacks say library loudly. However, closer examination reveals needs: well-worn furniture, uncomfortable seating, crowdedness, a sense of clutter. Book stacks hide the elevator from the line of sight.

The main floor contains one large open space, a children’s room, a teen room, the auditorium, two historic rooms – one a meeting room and the other a reading room – a periodicals room, a quiet computer room, and unventilated rest rooms. The auditorium is the site for local artists’ exhibits, musical presentations, movies, and presentations throughout the year. The lower level contains two meeting rooms, a staff room, a small room for year-round book sale activity, and rest rooms. The third level, the basement, houses the annual book sale material. The Director’s office is on the main level as are the circulation and reference services. The open space on the main level contains the adult fiction, nonfiction, non-print materials, regional history works, reference materials, a catalog computer for patron access to other Cape library collections, the staffed checkout area and a patron-checkout, and four computers and a printer for patron access. There is a small quiet computer room with an additional four computers. Ten Macbooks are also available for patron use. There are display areas for new books and for salable themed products including t-shirts, pens, and caps. The auditorium includes an equipped, public kitchen with limited storage space.

The children’s room has a large collection of books, games and materials, two workstations, and three computers programmed for children. The sitting area for reading aloud is located in the central part of the room. The room is pleasantly decorated with colorful pictures mounted on the walls. Furniture is of an appropriate size for children; there are also suitable chairs for adults. The room contains a checkout area for books and materials. The teen room, located near the main entrance to the library, has an age-appropriate book collection, magazines, audio books, four computers and a printer, comfortable sitting, and work tables.

A staircase leads from the main level to the lower levels. The staircase features a beautiful stained glass window created by a former Board member. An elevator also joins the three levels. The finished portion of the lower level contains two small meeting rooms that are used for community group meetings, Library Board meetings, and occasional small events. The lower level also contains a staff room for lunch and supper breaks. The large 5,200 square foot basement level room is unfinished and is presently used as a year-round storage area for the four-week summer book sale.

The Library, in its long history, has served the community well. However, in its present state, the Library has a number of conditions that impede patron effective use of the facility and its offerings. The following are critical limitations:

*Limited and difficult handicapped access

* No elevator access for after hours programs.

*Too few electronic outlets for personal device use

* No quiet study areas for individuals

*Inadequate meeting spaces for groups both large and small

*No program room for Children's activities

*Limited and uncomfortable seating

*Underutilization and ineffective utilization of the entire space.

In sum, the Brewster Ladies' Library is a valued and well-used asset for Brewster year-round and part-time residents, seasonal visitors and children and teenagers. However, like any aging public institution, it needs loving renewal.

ROLE OF THE LIBRARY

The Brewster Ladies’ Library meets community needs through a variety of services. The Library provides access to its collection of knowledge that greatly extends beyond its doors. It is the Library’s goal to be a life-long learning center by providing access to materials of all formats. The Library provides residents with the means and skills to find the information they need through technology and professional assistance. Programming, lectures and educational series are another means of providing opportunities for life -long learning. The Library provides a wide range of activities for all ages and interests. It is a meeting place for residents to learn and to share with neighbors and visitors as well as a community meeting place to connect with others through technology.

The Library is open five days a week year-round (Tuesday through Saturday) and Sunday afternoons, November through March. The library is a member of the CLAMS consortium of Cape Cod libraries. Brewster Ladies’ Library has 11,204 cardholders of whom 6,126 are Brewster residents. In FY 2014, the Library circulated 185,071 items and offered 55,984 books and 8,970 non-print items. Through CLAMS, the Library provided 17,299 e-materials. The Library has seventeen public computers and nine laptops for in-house use. Wi-Fi is accessible both inside and outside the library. On closed days, patrons can use the Library’s parking lot and steps as a Wi-Fi location. The Library’s meeting rooms are available to the public for meetings both during and after library hours. The Library is the only venue in town providing free meeting space for the public. In FY 14, its meeting rooms were used on 715 occasions for Library programs and outside community groups.

Library Card Holders

FY14 Items Circulated

FY14 Holdings

FY14 E-materials CLAMS Holdings

11,204

185,071

64,954

17,299

Programming is a vital part of the Library’s services to the community. In FY 14, the Children’s and Teen librarians offered 132 programs attended by 3,711 kids and teens. For adults, the Library offered 172 programs, attended by 3,823 people. Sunday concerts, author talks, lectures, foreign films, book discussions, story times, toddler town, Lego club and Minecraft are among the programs offered. The Library collaborates with local community organizations including the Brewster Historical Society, the Museum of Natural History, Cape Cod Genealogical Society, the Intergenerational Experience Club, the Nauset Regional Schools and the League of Women Voters. Other groups who meet at the Library include scouts, poets, choirs, writers, book clubs, genealogy groups, and the Conservation Trust. The VNA offers monthly blood pressure testing and last year provided tai chi sessions.

FY14 Programs

FY14 Attendance

Adult Programs

Kids & Teens

Outside Groups

304 Library Programs

7,534 Library Attendance

172 Programs attended by 3,823

132 programs attended by 3,711

411 programs

The Library is the community center for the town, providing free meeting space. However meeting space is limited. The Library offers a Meeting Room with a capacity of 20, a Conference Room with a capacity of 6, and the Auditorium with a capacity of 125. The Library has no quiet study rooms. Many residents use the Library to write, to study, and to work. Residents who retire and then seek a second career use the library as both a resource and a refuge. As the Town’s community center, the Library requires additional meeting space.

The Library’s web site provides a variety of databases and resources for online use. Launched in January 2013, the new site won first place in the MLS 2013 PR awards as the best new library web site. In addition to the Commonwealth databases, the Library offers the following resources: Ancestry.com, Legal Forms, Consumer Reports online, Cape Cod Times, Teen Health & Wellness and Mango for language learning. The website also provides after hours Reader’s Advisory through staff produced reviews and recommendations. The Library’s electronic monthly newsletter, produced by volunteers, is delivered to over 2100 subscribers. On a daily basis, the Staff, Board, and volunteers strive to fulfill the Library’s mission as a lifelong learning place.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Increased Seasonal Population

Brewster is located on Cape Cod, a very popular summer resort area and the population triples from May to September. Brewster’s year round population is 9,820 and in the summer it spikes to 35,000.

A large portion of the summer residents have second homes in the community and are active Library users. Even visitors without a second home, stay here for an extended time and are frequent library users. The seasonal spike in Library patrons exacerbates the lack of space to provide patrons privacy to access technology, quiet reading and study areas, and rooms to meet for group discussions. For example, last year residents of California called the Library in the spring requesting meeting space for a ten- week short story discussion group for the summer. The short story discussion group was extremely popular and will be scheduled for a second summer. It was just one of twenty-five programs that met in the Meeting Room in July. This is just one instance of serving an expanded seasonal population and the library’s need for increased meeting spaces that could be used year round. There is an active, organized association of part-time residents who do not live in Massachusetts but own homes in Brewster. These part-time residents are served by the library through use of the collection, programs and meeting space. Full use of the library’s space would provide service to our part-time residents and flexibility to the community year round.

Aging Population

Our population is aging. The median age in Brewster is 57.9.The Library needs to design spaces that provide easy access to materials. Our community cannot access materials on the bottom and top rows of shelving units. Unfortunately all of our shelving uses the bottom and top rows despite an extensive weeding program. In FY 13, the Brewster Ladies’ Library housed 40,166 adult volumes and in FY15 the collection was reduced to 38,559 adult volumes. Despite the weeding and shifting, we have not successfully improved access for our patrons. More efficient use of the entire library space would allow the library to provide easy access to display all materials for our aging population. One-fourth of the Library’s building is not being used as a Library for the community. We want to utilize that area year round for collections and meeting space. While predictions for future collections are to move to e-materials, Brewster’s current circulation of e-materials is only 8.6%.

KEY ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED IN IMPROVEMENTS

Adequate access to the Library:

Improved access for walkers and wheelchairs.Improved drainage so walkway does not flood.Better lighting.Better signage.Better sight lines Improved elevator access to library programs that extend after hoursImproved access to all materials. Additional handicap parking spaces.

Space for current and future needs:

Full and efficient use of space in the entire building. Quiet rooms for studying/tutoring.Quiet reading areasSeparate area for children’s story-time.Adequate meeting room space. Sufficient, comfortable seating for patrons.Adequate workroom space for staff who currently share desks with part-time staff and volunteers.Sufficient shelving for print and nonprint items.Sufficient display for new books and nonprint items.Sufficient electrical outlets for the growing demand of personal devices by patrons.Climate controlled storage area for archives.

Major capital improvement needs:Full and efficient use of space in the entire buildingThe historical collection must have climate-controlled space and adequate security.The building must be energy efficient.The building’s electrical service requires upgrade including additional computer outlets. Accessibility afterhours to program rooms and parking lot.Teen room needs acoustical engineering to provide teens with a place for meetings and conversations.

GENERAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONSIt is expected that the building program will evolve as the planning process proceeds from conceptual design to schematic design to the final product to be presented for the grant application.

Major Design ConsiderationsA renovated library building for Brewster should:

· Preserve the historic nature of the library building.

· Commit to the preservation of the 1868 historical rooms.

· Create a “green” facility whenever possible.

· Adhere to ADA guidelines and improve access.

· Be welcoming and conducive to knowledge sharing.

· Use acoustical engineering to reduce the level of noise.

· Provide energy efficient heating, air conditioning and electrical systems. Systems should be designed with minimal maintenance required so as to reduce costly repairs.

· Have shelving which enables easy access to both print and non-print items for an aging population.

· Have quiet areas separate from noisy, high traffic areas.

· Provide comfortable seating for reading and studying.

· Offer quiet study/tutoring rooms.

· Offer sufficient meeting space for knowledge sharing.

· Provide electrical outlets and data ports for personal devices.

· Have a separate story-time and craft area for children and families.

· Provide reference and research services with areas for patron privacy.

· Have operable windows with screens for ventilation.

· Provide lighting fixtures that are efficient and cost effective to maintain whenever possible

· Adequate workroom space and storage for staff to perform their duties efficiently.

· Climate-controlled space and security for historical collection.

· Improve elevator service

FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

When renovating the Library, careful consideration should be given to the function of each area and how to co-exist with the surrounding area.

Main Level of Library

Lobby Circulation DeskCirculation & Technical Services offices (near Circulation Desk and convenient to delivery) New Book CollectionNon-print CollectionAdult Fiction CollectionPublic Access CatalogsPeriodicals and newspapersProgram RoomRestroomsChildren’s RoomTeen RoomReference Collection and officeDirector’s OfficeHistoric Rooms

May be located on any level

Staff RoomComputer WorkstationsQuiet Reading AreasStudy/tutoring RoomsPublic Access CatalogsCustodian ClosetArea to accept donated and weeded materialMeeting/Conference RoomsRestroomsVolunteer spaceStaff Restrooms Cafe

Lower Level of Library

Non-fiction CollectionQuiet StudyArchivesBook sale

OTHER IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

Accessibility:The Americans with Disabilities Act and state laws require full accessibility for all people throughout the building. Aisles must be a minimum of 42” wide. No rows may dead end to a wall. Public service desks should have a low section. The architect must design and select the elevator, corridors, restrooms, drinking fountain, doors and openers, railing and related items with accessibility for all.

Acoustics: Absolute quiet is not a requirement in the libraries of today, but quiet reading or study areas are still needed. We would like to avoid hard surfaces in these areas which would exaggerate sounds and amplify voices. Consideration should be given to enclosing some areas, in particular the Teen Room. The noise created by the book drop’s close proximity to the Program Room needs to be addressed, as well as the noise of the restrooms.

Floors:Coverings should be anti-static, high quality, durable, easy to maintain and replace. Floors should be attractive in color and design. Floor coverings at service desks should be designed with special support for the staff that stands for long periods of time. Carpeting could be considered for most of the building. However, certain areas of heavy traffic and potential spillage, including entrances/exits, the Circulation Desk, and Children’s Department, may lend themselves to hard, easy to clean surfaces, such as ceramic tiles. It is imperative that the flooring be environmentally healthy.

Lighting and Windows: The library received the “Illumination Design Award” and the “Energy Efficiency” New England Section of Illuminating Engineering Society and the Edison Power Research Institute in 2000. We would like to continue this practice with a combination of task and ambient lighting. Light levels should observe the standards recommended by the Illuminating Engineering Society handbook. Filters are recommended for windows to control ultraviolet light emissions and to reduce heat. Screens should be used in areas where windows may be opened. Windows should be operable to allow for fresh air when desirable. Light should be solar sensitive. The main light switches should be accessible by the staff entry. The parking area should have solar sensitive lighting to provide for a safe and secure area.

Existing Landscaping: The rear of the library, where the parking lot is located, is well maintained with a combination of trees, shrubs and ground cover on tiered levels. There is a pergola with plants that covers the stairs to the library. It did provide some shelter to the stairs until this past winter, when it lost its plastic sheathing. The front of the library that is located on historic 6A needs some tending. The bushes are overgrown and too close to the building. The trees need to be trimmed back to prevent animals access to the roof that they have damaged in the past. All landscaping should be in compliance with the Cape Cod Fertilizer Management District of Critical Planning Concern because of the perceived need for special regulation to protect Cape Cod’s unique water resources.

Exterior Furniture and Fixtures:

Item/AreaDescription/Design Considerations

Bike RackA well-lit bicycle rack for ten bikes located in the parking lot close to the

library’s main entrance.

Flag PoleAn illuminated flagpole should be prominently located outside the building

and be ground mounted.

Outdoor eating andAll-weather picnic tables and benches mounted and secured on cement

sittingpads and located on the side of the children’s room.

Trash ContainersTrash and recycling containers should be located near the picnic area as

well as near the main entrance.

Book ReturnThe return slot for driver-side access must be easy for a car to pull up to

the return box and have both walk-up and drive-up openings. At the same

time, the return box must be placed so that it is easy for staff to routinely

empty.

Existing Building Exterior: The Brewster Ladies’ Library’s exterior is distinctive and communicates the rich history of the library within the community. Each expansion to the library preserved the original historic building and the community wants this tradition maintained.

Improvements to the Building Exterior:

Improvements to the building exterior should retain the existing aesthetics and require the following:

· Well-lit stairs, walkways and ramps

· Covered entrances for weather protection

· Grade level approaches

· Clear and attractive signs providing directions and information

· A storage shed should be considered

· Evaluation of gutter system to determine the proper alignment with the slope of the roof and a drainage system that diverts rainwater away from the building

Pedestrian and Vehicular Traffic

Pedestrian routes to and from the building should be anticipated to avoid wear and tear on the natural landscape and promote safe movement about the site. There should be clearly defined walkways from the parking lot and building.

The library parking lot should be easy and safe to enter and exit. Spaces should be convenient to the library’s entrance, and well lit at night. More handicap parking spaces would be desirable. Landscape plantings should not hinder lines of sight, particularly should not block drivers’ view when entering or exiting the parking lot and should not offer areas where loiterers may linger.

The library’s parking lot needs designated areas for snowplow access and places to pile plowed snow. As well, fire department vehicle access to the building should meet requirements for the width of the fire lanes and, if necessary, there should be sufficient room to accommodate the turning radius for fire department vehicles and equipment.

PCS

13

4

5

4

4

4

4

1

12

2 opacs

0

0

125

0

3

3

6

6

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1

24

7

2

2