Public Library Information

Bursting at the seams in their original 5,500 square foot branch library, the City of Alexandria was greatly in need of a larger facility. The two-level addition and complete renovation of the existing building includes spacious staff work areas, a new administration area and a quiet reading room. Situated in the heart of Old Town, the custom furnishings reflect the tradition of the area, while a complex color palette, soaring ceilings and bright skylights enhance this present day facility. Incorporating the latest in computer and Internet technology, the Kate Waller Barrett Library, completed in 1995, is a beautiful and valued addition to its historic community.

In 1991 the Calcasieu Parish Public Library System embarked on a thirteen-building capital improvement program, all simultaneously. A wide range of project sizes and locales involved a total of 115,000 square feet. Furniture selections and custom designs were standardized for the entire library system, yet each library was given its own unique color scheme. The largest and last of the facilities, a 40,000 square foot Central Library was dedicated in 1995, and it enjoys a trebled circulation rate. The evolution of this unique involvement was chronicled in a 14-article series in The Wilson Library Bulletin. Michaels Associates' responsibilities included system-wide space planning and all interior specifications including furniture, signage, flooring and building finishes in coordination with the six project architectural firms.

Michaels Associates began a long-term involvement with Cumberland County with the interior design of its 75,000 square foot Main Library. This three-level new facility dedicated in 1986 borders the downtown district and is situated on a beautiful stream-side park. Included in the facility is a major children's library, a 200-seat community room, and a prominent business reference department and public computer center. Since then Michaels Associates has successfully completed interior space planning and interior design services on two branch libraries of 18,000 and 12,000 square feet, and will be working on future branches of 23,000, 20,000 and 12,000 square feet.

Fredericksburg, Virginia citizens cherish their renovated and restored library-school house despite breaking the rules. The addition/remodeling involved a 1920's 4-story brick school building. Despite interior supporting walls two feet thick, small floor plates, and limited parking, the decision was made to maintain the central library downtown. To create a functional library and to be true to its historic facade within a tight budget required ingenuity and care. The project, completed in 1992, is an unqualified success. In addition to a varied general collection and extensive media holdings, the fully accessible building includes special children's areas, a county law library, Virginiana collection, administration, and a large community facility where a meeting room with a full stage serves the local theater group.

The centerpiece for the downtown , the Tucson Library is a striking 5-level structure with parking and a community meeting complex below grade and a lively and welcoming interior throughout. Custom-designed furniture and a varied palette of colors and patterns, reflective of the surrounding Sonoran desert, complete the visual esthetic within a demanding $10/square foot budget. All areas were conceived as part of a whole, yet appropriateness and uniqueness were achieved in disparate areas.

The Chapel Hill Public Library project is a new two level building completed in 1993 on an exquisite wooded site two miles from the University of North Carolina. The library staff, city officials, and board members were actively involved in the layouts and interior selections. The interior environment intentionally complements the bold orientation towards stunning views. Signage was carefully integrated into the clerestory bulkheads to assist the user in perusing the collection. The entrance to the children's area is highlighted by a colorful interior illuminated architectural gateway. Within a small budget a handsome project was bestowed on this special community.

Michaels Associates provide comprehensive interior space planning and design services including layout, selection, design and specifications of all interior furnishings, finishes, colors, lighting and miscellaneous details for this 37,000 sq. foot addition/ remodeling library project. A single level new library was added to a 3 floor 1920 brick school building which was renovated for meeting and staff work place. Michaels Associates had considerable input in the way of lighting, special detail and outlet location. Dedicated in May 1994 the building garnered praise from the entire community.

The Prince George's County Library System took the opportunity to buy a 2- story, brick and glass office building at a distressed price and very quickly provided a long-promised new branch library for the rapidly growing community. Within eight weeks, Michaels Associates completed a stacking plan, furniture layouts and interior concept for both a 25,000 sq. ft. branch library, to occupy the lower level, and an upper level county-wide technical services facility and training center. Furnishings for the library, attractive and durable, were selected to meet an '' impossible'' $5.50/ sq. ft. budget and still give a high quality appearance.

The John Musante Porter Library, dedicated in January 1993, is a one story facility of 23,000 square feet with vaulted and pitched ceilings creating interesting and inviting spaces. Located in a residential development near a school and community center, the design goal was to attract patrons of varying age groups and interests. The rotunda-like periodicals bay and spectacular community program room are frequently filled to capacity. Children are thrilled with a colorful and intriguing story time room, young adults particularly appreciate the AV center for listening and viewing their favorite media, and everyone appreciates the speed and user-friendly computer technology making the expanding collection and resources more accessible than ever before.