Small Library Buildings 
 
 Cornelia Marvin
 
 
 
 This book is DUE on the last date stamped below 
 
 1 ~ id^ 
 
 JUL * * 
 1 
 
 NOV 5 193* 
 
 1 2 1939 
 MAY ? 1931 
 "1 3 1963 
 lEC'DLDUW. 
 
 URL JAN 
 
 0EC 2^9$*
 
 SMALL LIBRARY BUILDINGS 
 
 A Collection of Plans Contributed by the 
 league of Library Com: '.ssions 
 
 Introduction and Notes by Cornelia Marvin 
 Secretary of the Oregon Library Commission 
 
 * -3fj^ 
 
 A. L. A. PUBLISHING BOARD 
 
 34 Newbury Street 
 
 BOSTON, MASS. 
 
 1908 
 
 SOUTHERN BRANCH 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFOWH/S
 
 M-t. 
 CONTENTS 
 
 Introductory 'notes by the editor 
 
 General suggestions 5 
 
 Terms 6 
 
 Literature 7 
 
 Choosing an architect . 7 
 
 Preliminary considerations ... ...... 8 
 
 First principles 9 
 
 Size of building 9 
 
 Capacity 10 
 
 Cost 10 
 
 Location 11 
 
 Style of architecture 11 
 
 Materials of construction 11 
 
 Entrances 12 
 
 Arrangement 12 
 
 Floors 13 
 
 Heating and ventilating 14 
 
 Plumbing 15 
 
 Lighting 15 
 
 Walls 16 
 
 Shelving 16 
 
 Lean desk 17 
 
 Furniture 18 
 
 Plans cf public libraries Cost 
 
 I Portland, Ore. East side branch . . $ 2,600 20 
 
 II Carthage, Ind 6,500 .... 23 
 
 III Durand, Wis. 7,800 . . . . . 26 
 
 IV West Liberty, la. .... 8,000 .... 29 
 
 V Covina, Cal. . . . . . . 8,200 34 
 
 VI Eugene, Ore 9,700 .... 37 
 
 VII Richland Center, Wis 10,000 41 
 
 VIII Darlington, Wis. .... 10,000 .... 42 
 
 IX Vineland, N. J 10,000 49 
 
 X Kearney, Neb 11,700 .... 53 
 
 XI Hutchinspn, Minn. .... 12,200 56 
 
 XII Tiptcn, la 13,200 .... 60 
 
 XIII Watertown, Wis 20,000 ..... 64 
 
 XIV Oskaloosa, la 23,800 .... 67 
 
 XV Huntingdon, Ind 25,600 72 
 
 XVI Eau Claire, Wis 40,000 .... 76 
 
 XVII Cedar Rapids, la 75,000 80 
 
 XVIII Madison, Wis 75,000 .... 86 
 
 Plans cf college libraries 
 
 XIX Eugene, Ore. . . . . . 25,000 94 
 
 XX Grinnell, la. 50,000 .... 98
 
 INTRODUCTORY NOTES BY THE EDITOR 
 
 This pamphlet contains the best of the plans sent to the editor by the cooperating 
 Library Commissions. These do not represent the editor's choice, but include the 
 recent buildings in each state which, in the opinion of the Commission officers, best 
 meet the needs of the librarians and the public. 
 
 Each Commission was asked to send plans of public libraries costing not over 
 $10,000, $25,000 and $75,000 respectively, and of one small college library. The result is a 
 collection of eight plans of buildings costing $10,000 or less; three between $10,000 and 
 $15,000; three between $20,000 and $25,000; three over $25,000; two of college libraries 
 which are fair representatives of this type; and one small branch library which is a 
 good model for any inexpensive building. 
 
 Plans of buildings costing less than $5,000 were not supplied by the Commissions, 
 but will be found in Mr. Eastman's pamphlet and in the reports of Library Com- 
 missions noted below. A $5,000 building usually consists of one large, well-lighted 
 room, with basement for storage and work rooms. A building costing $3,000 or less 
 cannot have library rooms in the basement. Small buildings will be the same as the 
 $10,000 buildings in the points of light, shelving, floor covering, etc. 
 
 The descriptive notes vary in quality and extent; they contain all that could be 
 secured frcm trustees, librarians and Commissions, and nothing which is not worth 
 consideration. The notes for plans XIII, XVII, XVIII and XX are quite full, the 
 details of these buildings having been carefully worked out. The notes on the furniture 
 and fittings are especially valuable. 
 
 Special attention has been devoted to the plans of small buildings, as the Com- 
 missions seek to aid trustees who have not the help of experienced librarians and who 
 cannct afford to put a large sum into the investigation. The plans of larger libraries 
 are included rather as a matter of interest, showing the development and extension of 
 buildings as the demands of library work increase. The interior views are included for 
 the purpose of helping in decisions on furniture and fittings, as well as for the idea of 
 interior arrangement. Most of the buildings are in the Middle States, as the Com- 
 missions of the Middle West have cooperated most fully in the preparation of the 
 pamphlet. As the buildings are nearly new or of recent date, it has not been possible 
 to secure figures in regard to the cost of maintenance, which is naturally an important 
 item in planning a building. Statistics on this point may be secured from the librarians 
 of the different libraries. A carefully planned building should be economically heated, 
 lighted and cared for by a small force. 
 
 Plans VIII, XIII and XVI are recommended as the most perfect buildings for the 
 money invested, both as to interiors and exteriors. 
 
 As will be evident, excellence of architectural design has, in some instances, been 
 ignored, and a few brief comments on such points have been added to the notes. All 
 buildings included are not models. Though some contain serious mistakes, each has 
 good points worth reproducing, as well as the objectionable features which it has been 
 the ungracious task of the editor to point out in the notes following the description of 
 each building. It is possible that these notes enumerate the deviations from an ideal 
 plan existing in the mind of the editor, and that this ideal may not be generally 
 accepted. Any criticism must come from some definite point of view, but an effort has 
 been made to cast aside prejudice and to keep in mind the fact that the model building 
 of today may be considered quite out-of-date tomorrow. An effort has been made to 
 summarize the best points in library architecture as determined by the experience of 
 the past ten years. Officers of the cooperating Commissions are not responsible for the 
 views expressed in these notes their responsibility ended with the selection of plans 
 from their own states. The frequent suggestions to apply to Commissions for advice 
 are for the boards without trained or experienced librarians. 
 
 The similarity in the plans testifies to the fact that a few principles are well 
 established. The buildings are nearly all of one type, and there are several planned by 
 the same architects, but the details differ sufficiently to warrant inclusion of all of
 
 them. It will be understood that, though there is a rather definite agreement in regard 
 to the general principles of library architecture, there is great difference of opinion 
 upon details. 
 
 It is to be hoped that no board will be led, through these plans, into the mistake 
 of using too many partitions, cutting the library up into small rooms; and that the old- 
 fashioned idea of the "book stack" for small libraries will not appeal to a library board 
 which considers the points of administration and utility. Most of the plans show base- 
 ments containing classrooms. Failure to use the basement in this way is, of course, a 
 defect. It will thus be seen that the Commissions could not recommend copying the 
 plans. 
 
 The notes which follow are addressed to trustees and librarians who are planning 
 small libraries. Those responsible for large buildings and branch libraries may usually 
 command the services cf librarians competent to advise and direct. Attention is de- 
 voted exclusively to the librarian's side of the building interior arrangement and 
 fittings. Little attempt has been made to criticise architectural design, or to make 
 suggestions which should come from competent architects. Few librarians are able to 
 direct in this respect, but they should have the final decision on the arrangement of 
 rooms, fittings, light, etc., in so far as these things affect the daily work of the library. 
 No architect can understand this as the librarian does. The ideal library plan is made by 
 a combination of forces, as in any other building for special purposes. 
 
 EXPLANATION OF TERMS 
 
 In explanaticn of the terms used in the introduction and descriptive notes, it 
 should be said that the cost means the entire cost of the finished building. The cost 
 per cubic foot is estimated from the bottom of the footings to the center of the roof, 
 with no allowance for irregularities, and ordinarily includes every item except furniture 
 and fees. In all figures, allowance must be made for time and place, as the locality and 
 fluctuating cost cf building materials make it impossible to compare cost of buildings 
 with satisfactory results. It is probable that most of the buildings were economically 
 constructed. The librarians generally had no suggestions in regard to reducing cost. 
 In some cases cork carpet, light fixtures, and shelving are included in the contract, and 
 in others they are considered as furniture, inconvenience from lack of uniformity being 
 partially overcome by the full notes. The cost of site has not been considered, but the 
 total cost of building often includes grading, curbing, walks, drives and other items 
 grouped under grounds. 
 
 Dimensions are given for outside of building. Height of story is height of inside 
 of room, in clear. Shelving capacity is the total capacity of the building unless other- 
 wise noted. Seating capacity means number to be accommodated at tables, though most 
 libraries provide ether seats also. Provision for future extension is occasionally noted. 
 Though not considered a question of first importance in very small towns which have 
 attained their maximum population, it is of the utmost importance in a growing city; 
 also when the original building fund is insufficient and must be supplemented in the 
 near future. 
 
 Buildings are all of ordinary construction unless designated as slow burning or 
 fire-proof. A fire-proof building is practically unknown, but so-called fire-proof stacks 
 are common. 
 
 Librarians cften call a dcuble-face bock case a "stack" and speak of any book 
 storage place as a "stack room," though it is more properly designated as main book 
 room. The term is constantly misapplied, but has been allowed to stand when the 
 room or space is so designated in the cut. In this introduction wall shelving means a 
 single-face case against the wall, with or without backing; floor case means a double- 
 face case standing cut from the wall. The stack means a section of the building 
 especially constructed for close storage of books (see plate XXc), usually several low 
 stories of patent metal shelving connected by service stairways and lifts. Book stacks 
 are patented and made by many different firms. Their relative merits are not fully 
 determined. They are, however, fcr large libraries only, and small libraries need not 
 consider the problem, as free access to shelves and ample space make such storage 
 room unnecessary. Wooden shelving is always understood unless patent shelving is 
 designated. A few small libraries buy the patent shelving, but it is not essential, and 
 is expensive. Opinions differ as to its desirability. The addresses of the manufacturers 
 of patent shelving and stacks mentioned in the descriptive notes are: Art Metal Con- 
 
 6
 
 struction Co., Jamestown, N. Y.; Library Bureau, 156 Wabash Ave., Chicago, and 143 
 Federal St., Boston; General Fire-proofing Co., Jamestown, Ohio. 
 
 In order to give something definite which will be of real service, the following 
 summary is made with a small building in mind one to cost from $10,000 to $20,000 
 and the notes are given so they may be made into specifications. Modifications for 
 smaller or larger buildings may easily be made, and are occasionally noted. 
 
 LITERATURE 
 
 There is not an abundance of useful literature on library buildings, but trustees 
 should secure the following excellent pamphlets and books: 
 
 Scule Library rooms and buildings. 1902. American Library Association, 34 
 Newbury St., Boston, 5c. 
 
 Eastman Library building plans. 1906. N. Y. State Library, Albany, 25c. 
 
 Note especially the plans for small buildings, and those of Old Town, Me., 
 ($10,500), and Johnstown, N. Y., ($25,000). Contains interior views of a 
 branch cf the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, showing table lights, 
 bulletins, pericdical cases and loan desk. 
 
 Library buildings. American Library Association. lOc. Reprinted from 
 
 its Proceedings. 1901. 
 
 Koch, T. W. Portfolio of Carnegie libraries. Wahr, $2.50. 
 
 The files cf Library Journal and Public Libraries, articles from which are to be 
 reprinted by the A. L. A. Publishing Board in 1908, contain many plans and 
 descriptions. Public Libraries of December, 1901, is an especially interesting number. 
 (Order from Library Bureau, 156 Wabash Ave., Chicago, 20c.) 
 
 Special library numbers have been issued by several architectural periodicals, 
 among them the Architectural Review of January, 1902, ($2.00) and the Brick Builder, 
 August, 1901, 50c. 
 
 The Inland Architect for 1907-8 has a series of articles on modern small libraries, 
 and the {Brick Builder has frequently reproduced plans. 
 
 The fourth biennial report cf the Indiana Library Commission contains plans of 
 buildings, among which are two excellent ones for small amounts those of Plainfield 
 '$1,800) and Poseyville ($5,000). 
 
 The California State Library, in its News Notes, July, 1906, published cuts and 
 floor plans of California buildings. 
 
 The Wisconsin Library Commission has issued a pamphlet, Some Wisconsin 
 Library Buildings, containing exterior and interior views, but no floor plans. 
 
 The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has a pamphlet giving cuts of its branch 
 library buildings, which differ somewhat from general libraries for small cities, but 
 contain points which are most desirable for any building. 
 
 The Saint Louis Public Library program of conditions and instructions to govern a 
 competition for the selection of architects for two branch library buildings (1908) is a 
 model of compact information on a $60,000 building. 
 
 The annual report of the Cleveland Public Library for 1906 contains plans and 
 views of some of the most attractive of recent buildings for branches. 
 
 Some of the architects whose addresses are given in this pamphlet have printed 
 booklets of views of their buildings. Patton & Miller will send a copy of Mr. Miller's 
 paper Library Architecture, read before the Iowa Library Association in 1902. 
 
 The best literature on large buildings may be found in the reports of some public 
 libraries (Grand Rapids, Newark, Louisville) and in the programs for architectural 
 competition published by others (Madison, Wis., Utica, Seattle). The plans for the 
 Evanston, 111., building have been carefully worked out. Any list of such reports and 
 programs soon beccmes obsolete on account of the constant progress being made, and 
 and the large number of new buildings being erected. 
 
 CHOOSING AN ARCHITECT 
 
 It is not usual, nor is it advisable, to choose an architect by competition except 
 for large buildings costing at least $75,000. In such cases, a consulting architect is 
 usually engaged, conditions of competition are published, and well-known architects in- 
 vited to prepare plans, the unsuccessful competitors being allowed a definite sum for 
 their work. The most approved procedure for securing plans is given in the report of
 
 the Brookline, Mass., Library for 1907. (See note above for list of programs for 
 competitions.) Most architects of any reputation will not enter an open competition 
 for large buildings, and will refuse to submit competitive plans for small buildings. 
 This fact alcne is enough to determine the board to decide upon an architect rather 
 than a plan, and not to attempt a contest, which is, at best, a picture contest, and re- 
 veals nothing of the ability of the architect to construct a good building fitted to local 
 conditions. The competition is in all cases for choice of architect rather than for a 
 plan, as the latter must be decided upon by the board and the architect after many 
 consultations and much study. Other things being equal, the number of libraries the 
 architect has built will make but little difference if he is energetic and broad-minded. 
 He shculd be a competent builder, cr the board should have the advice of a building 
 superintendent, who may be relied upon to see that the construction is perfect, floors 
 are properly laid, heating plant is satisfactorily installed, etc. It rests with the board 
 or librarian to make clear just what sort of an interior is wanted. The architect oi 
 many libraries will have learned the needs and should have become familiar with library 
 details. Unless competition is planned, it will be best to select the architect before 
 site is bought. Any architect competent to plan a library shculd know how to carry 
 out the chosen design intelligently. Seme of the exteriors shown in this pamphlet 
 emphasize sufficiently the mistake of selecting an architect without appreciation of 
 design. 
 
 Commissions will send the names of consulting architects who make a specialty of 
 library plans. 
 
 PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS 
 
 Before plans are drawn, the board, acting upon the advice of its librarian or a 
 representative of the State Commission, should make a statement as to the rooms 
 needed; the relative location of these rooms necessary to economy in administration; 
 the number of square feet and the shelving capacity for each; the exposure preferred, 
 and the natural light as determined by the position of book cases for the present and 
 future. It must be understood that the library is to be planned to meet definite needs, 
 and that the floor plans must be decided upon by some one who understands these 
 needs and has an idea of future developments. The building committee should see a 
 few good library buildings and profit from the experience of others. A satisfactory 
 plan can be made only by those familiar with the daily work of a well-managed library, 
 and with the ideals and purposes of the best library workers. It is necessary to have 
 the library point of view to consider the work to be done, to understand the purpose 
 of the institution. It is much easier for those who have been connected with a well- 
 managed, growing library to plan a new building. Buildings have changed with the 
 changed views of library work. The old idea of a storage system, of collecting great 
 numbers of books and preserving them carefully out of the sight and touch of the 
 public, resulted in the buildings having reading rooms without shelves and an attempt 
 at a fire-proof book room absolutely closed to the reader. No children were expected 
 to enter such buildings, no club rooms were provided, for such a library was not a 
 social center. The new idea contemplates educational work people now expect to 
 have free access to all of the books of a small library, and to all of the best and most 
 constantly used books of the large libraries, in which it may be necessary to restrict 
 access to a limited number of books. 
 
 Instead of the "monument type" of library, we have now a library which is the co- 
 operating center for all educational and social work of a community, requiring special 
 rooms for children, in connection with its work for schools; class and club rooms, for 
 encouragement of study clubs and "continuation schooling"; audience rooms, for 
 lectures, which shall stimulate intellectual effort; and meeting places for civic improve- 
 ment clubs, classes from the high school, country people, and, in fact, for all educational 
 and public purposes. The modern librarian expects to conduct classes and to aid un- 
 trained readers. All of these changes in the character of the work have affected building 
 plans and resulted in the modern type of library, with books in every room and special 
 rooms set aside for children and for students. 
 
 A public library contains a working collection of the best literature and only a few 
 great libraries go to the expense of collecting and keeping all books. Librarians now 
 assume that some books will outwear their usefulness and must be stored away in a less 
 accessible basement room. The shelves on the main floor are reserved for live books. 
 
 Since the past few years have brought such changes, we may expect greater ones 
 in the future. We must, therefore, build for extension, expansion, and different views 
 of library work, omitting partitions, which will make changes expensive, if not im-
 
 possible. The building should not be cut up into small rooms, preventing light, ven- 
 tilation, and oversight, as well as changes, but should consist, in so far as possible, of 
 one large room for the first floor. If the library contains more books than this room 
 can accommodate on wall shelves, and the rate of increase is high, it will be necessary 
 to add floor cases in the main book-room, or, possibly, a stack for close storage. It is 
 expected, however, that a large number of books will be worn out and discarded each 
 year, and that it will be necessary to have branches and stations in towns of con- 
 siderable size. 
 
 One more point in this preliminary consideration of the purposes of a library may 
 not be out of place; that is, to warn the trustees that every interest in the town will 
 ask for quarters in the new building; it will be expected to house the gymnasium, the 
 amusement room, and various other worthy enterprises. It must be remembered that 
 the first purpose of the building is to care for the library, the educational work of 
 which will tax its capacity to the utmost. Museums are often connected with libraries, 
 but they cannot be provided with the limited funds usually at the disposal of library 
 boards in small towns. The gymnasium and amusement room have no place in a 
 library building, as they invariably cause noise and confusion, and their purposes are 
 totally different from those of institutions with which the library is naturally closely 
 allied. The building must, first of all, be a good library building with suitable furniture 
 and fittings. 
 
 FIRST PRINCIPLES 
 
 The elementary principles of library architecture are simple and quite universally 
 agreed upon. The following points brought out by a committee of the American 
 Library Association deserve attention: 
 
 "Every library building should be planned especially for the kind of work 
 to be done, and the community to be served. 
 
 The interior arrangement should be planned before the exterior is con- 
 sidered. 
 
 Plans should provide for future growth and development. 
 
 A library should be carefully planned for economical administration. 
 
 Public rooms should be planned for complete supervision by the fewest 
 possible attendants. 
 
 No convenience of arrangement should be sacrificed for architectural effect. 
 
 There should be no such decoration of reading rooms or working rooms as 
 will attract sight-seers to disturb readers and attendants. 
 
 There should be good natural light in all parts of the building. Windows 
 should extend to the ceiling, to light the upper portions of every room. In a 
 book-room or stack, windows should be opposite the aisles. 
 
 No shelf should be placed so high as to be out of reach of a person of 
 medium height standing on the floor. 
 
 Flights of stairs should be straight and not circular. 
 
 Communication by telephone or speaking tube should be arranged between 
 the working-rooms." 
 
 SIZE OF BUILDING 
 
 With a building fund of less than $20,000, it is unwise to attempt a two-story 
 building. The $5,000 building should have one good-sized room over a high basement. 
 A $10,000 building will be similar, with a finished basement containing audience and 
 class rooms. It is probably better to have the high basement which can be utilized for 
 such purposes, than to attempt the two stories over a cellar. A high basement adds 
 greatly to the appearance of a one-story building, and there is no reason why it should 
 not be made useful. No stack should be included in a building costing under $20,000, 
 though the book room at the rear should be planned so that it will accommodate double- 
 face floor cases for storage. When the stack is to be used in the future, the building 
 should be constructed to bear the weight of a stack extending through the two stories. 
 
 The problem of building the library to cost more than $20,000 is somewhat different, 
 as it involves the care of a greater number of books, a more rapidly increasing col- 
 lection, service for a more scattered population, a larger library staff, and special 
 collections of books. A two-story building will be possible and it should contain the 
 rooms noted in the section on Arrangement. If the building fund is not sufficient for
 
 the space desired, it is better to leave part of the building unfinished, if there is any 
 chance at all of securing money in the future, and to have the necessary space on the 
 main floor. 
 
 The $10,00 to $15,000 building should contain 2,300 to 2,800 square feet. Height. The 
 basement should be at least 5' above the ground, preferably 5' 6", and about 10' high in 
 the clear. 9' will be enough if it is to be used for club rooms only, and not for assembly 
 rooms, and 8' will do for storage purposes. It would seem better to build 10' and to 
 be able to use the basement for any purpose. The main floor of the one-story building 
 should be from 12' to 13' high, in the clear; probably 13' is better. If the collection of 
 books is unusually large and is increasing rapidly, it may be better to have the book 
 room 16' high to allow for the second story of book cases in the future. Higher rooms 
 are not necessary from any point of view. Depth. A space cf 12' is the minimum to be 
 allowed frcm the doer to the delivery desk; 16' is the minimum from the delivery desk 
 to the rear shelves 20' wculd be preferable, and more space desirable, as the best 
 quiet study space in the building will be at the rear of the floor cases, and 8' should be 
 allowed fcr this if possible. Allowance must be made for aisles and from 8' to 9' for 
 floor cases to be used when building is shelved to its fullest capacity. In planning the 
 width cf the bock room it is necessary to allow from 4' to 5' in the clear between floor 
 cases, and 1' 6" for each case. 
 
 It is well to plan for ledge cases to alternate with ethers, and these will require 
 more space. 
 
 Vestibule with stairway to basement audience rocm (60 to 75 sq. ft. exclusive of 
 stairway). Delivery room (225 to 275 sq. ft.). Book room back of delivery room, 
 without partition. It is a general reading room (400 to 450 sq. ft. Capacity 2000 to 
 2500 volumes). Reading room at one side of delivery room without partition (375 to 
 425 sq. ft.). Broad low windows in front, high windows at side. Capacity 2500 volumes. 
 Reference room adjoining reading room with wide opening or arch between (275 to 300 
 sq. ft. Capacity 1500 volumes). One side of main book room is used for this reference 
 corner. Children's room opposite reading room (475 to 500 sq. ft. Capacity 2000 
 volumes). Class room, if provided, should be next to children's room. Librarian's work 
 room and board room combined, (175 to 200 sq. ft. Capacity 500 volumes) adjoining 
 children's room and opening into it and into book room. Shall contain shelving, closet, 
 supply cupboard, and lift from unpacking room in basement. Conversation or committee 
 room, or librarian's office may be used for this. Coat room opening into delivery room 
 and overlooked from loan desk. 
 
 CAPACITY 
 
 To determine the shelving capacity, count on eight books to the running foot. 
 Some librarians estimate ten, but this seems too high. One-third of each shelf should 
 remain vacant to avoid constant shifting of books as additions are made. The cases are 
 usually built seven shelves high, making 56 volumes to the foot for the wall shelving, 
 and 112 volumes a foot for the double-face cases. This is practically full capacity, as 
 over-size books must be taken into consideration. The building should provide for the 
 growth of at least ten years, but it must be taken into account that there will be con- 
 stant withdrawals as well as accessions. 
 
 In figuring seating capacity at tables, 3 feet are allowed for each chair. The aisles 
 between tables should be at last 5 ft. wide, but 6 ft. is better. Seating capacity for 
 audience rooms is usually estimated at the rate of 6 square feet for each person. This 
 allows for aisles, but is exclusive of platforms. 
 
 COST 
 
 The average cost of the building proper will be from 11 to 14 cents per cubic foot. 
 The average cost of six $10,000 buildings in the Middle West was 12.14 cents per cubic 
 foot unfurnished and 13.52 cents per cubic foot complete. Larger buildings, more solidly 
 built, with better finish, and having different heating plants, etc., of brick or stone, will 
 cost from 20c to 25c per cubic foot. 
 
 The contracts differ somewhat, but for small libraries they usually include the 
 finished building with heating plant, wiring, plumbing, finish hardware, shelving and all 
 mill work, including loan desk, periodical cases, all special cases against the wall, hall 
 seats, etc. 
 
 It is usual to reserve from 10 to 12 per cent, of the total fund for expenses not in- 
 cluded in the contract, architect's fees, cork carpet, light fixtures, decoration, shades, 
 
 10
 
 screens, double windows, grading, curbing, walks, drives, and movable furniture (chairs, 
 tables, catalogue cases, etc.) 
 
 The architect's fees are usually charged according to the schedule of minimum 
 charges of the American Institute of Architects five per cent, upon cost for full 
 professional services; three and one-half per cent, for preliminary studies, working 
 drawings, specifications and details. For buildings costing less than $10,000, special 
 rates in excess of these may be made. 
 
 The reserve fund should be ample, as there are sure to be some items which have 
 not been taken into account. The Carnegie gifts have usually covered finished and 
 furnished buildings ready for use, though some of those described in this pamphlet have 
 unfinished basements. It will be best to make a list of everything to be provided out- 
 side the contract, so that the architect may know exactly what is to be covered by the 
 contract and how much money he may expect to have for the building proper. The 
 items under cost in the descriptive notes are as full as could be secured, as they will 
 prove useful for comparison. They are especially full for plans XIII and XVIII. 
 
 LOCATION 
 
 The building should be centrally located on, or near, the main street. Quiet is 
 desirable, but accessibility is essential. A corner lot is a decided advantage, and one 
 large enough to allow at least 20' clear space all around the building, for purposes of 
 light and extension. Probably more than this should be allowed at the rear and sides 
 for future extension. It is important to consider surroundings for the future, as well 
 as for the present, since certain industries and business occupations are very undesirable 
 neighbors for a library. 
 
 STYLE OF ARCHITECTURE 
 
 The location will help to determine the style of architecture. It is considered the 
 best policy to make the library an inviting, homelike, social institution, rather than an 
 architectural monument. It should be architecturally so perfect as to be educative and 
 to add to the beauty of the city. To be architecturally perfect, a building must be 
 adapted to its purpose, and a library building should not look like a dwelling house. 
 The building fund will also affect the design the classical being more expensive than 
 English Gothic and some other styles. There are three types of buildings to be con- 
 sidered from the standpoint of outlines. 
 
 The most desirable building from every point of view is the rectangular building 
 without breaks or extensions, as shown in plans V to IX, XI to XIII, XVI to XVII 
 and XIX. It is more economically constructed than any other form and allows for 
 future extension. The interior is one large room, the space in which may be adjusted 
 to meet any needs. The fact that the majority of buildings are on this plan points to 
 some advantage. 
 
 The second type of building has a rectangular extension at the rear, in the center of 
 the building. This extension is usually for the book room. (See plans II, III, X, 
 XVIII.) This plan is not quite so generally used as the first, because additional expense 
 of extending the walls of the side rooms is not great, and the space is very much needed 
 for librarian's room and study. This second form is the one which the first type will 
 take when it is extended in the future, though it may, of course, happen that the ex- 
 tension will need to be for reading space rather than for book storage. 
 
 The third type of building is that with the semi-circular rear extension making 
 provision for a radiating stack or book room as shown in plans IV, XIV and XV. This 
 is expensive and has no particular advantage for the small building, though the ad- 
 vantage cf better light and oversight are claimed for it when used for a stack. Mr. 
 Eastman's pamphlet, previously noted, contains many plans of buildings with radiating 
 stacks, and others of irregular outline suited to special space or grounds. 
 
 The ideal small building is plain in outline, has no breaks or jogs, and has windows 
 properly placed for lighting floor cases when it is filled to its fullest capacity. The 
 dome is usually avoided because of great expense of construction and undesirable effect 
 upon interior arrangement. 
 
 MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION 
 
 The materials of construction must vary with the locality. Most of the buildings 
 included in the pamphlet are brick with stone or terra cotta trimmings, the latter re- 
 
 11
 
 ducing the cost somewhat when used in large quantities with repeating ornament. 
 Some of the old buildings were of stone, but this is seldom attempted now. The build- 
 ings which cost under $5,000 should usually be built of wood, or cement plaster on 
 metal lath. 
 
 It is not at all necessary to provide for fire-proof construction. The larger build- 
 ings are generally slow-burning, with fire-proof stacks, but the small ones may be of 
 ordinary construction, with boiler rooms made fire-proof if desired. The few books and 
 records of any value may be kept in a vault, and the average small library does not con- 
 tain anything which could not be easily replaced. 
 
 The tile roof is usually specified if funds permit, though many of the small build- 
 ings have slate roofs. Certain grades of roof tile are nearly as cheap as slate, depend- 
 ing upon freight rates. It is usually impossible with $10,000 to $20,000 to provide stone 
 columns and elaborate decorations or finish of any sort. The interior wood-work and 
 finish should be of the best (see notes on floors), and it is important to the appearance, 
 at least, to have plate glass for the low windows. 
 
 ENTRANCES 
 
 High, steep steps outside are so unsightly that many of the small buildings, 
 especially in the snowy countries, have a few steps inside, though it is sometimes con- 
 sidered a disadvantage to have the steps in the entrance hall. Libraries should always 
 have this hall or vestibule to protect the people inside the building from noise, con- 
 fusion and drafts. It usually contains a side stairway to the basement, when this is 
 used for class rooms or audience room, and the stairway to second floor. These stair- 
 ways should never open into the library rooms proper, but entrance to them should be 
 possible when the library rooms are closed. They should be wide and well-lighted. 
 Control of the entrances to all stairways should be possible from the loan desk, glass 
 doors being used between delivery room and vestibule. Some entrances are greatly dis- 
 figured by having the basement stairway directly in the center of the hall. 
 
 There should always be a separate, outside, ianitor's entrance to the basement, and 
 this should serve as additional exit from the audience room. Occasionally the only 
 public entrance to the basement is an outside one separate from the main entrance and 
 connected with the first floor by service stairway (see plan VII). Some large libraries 
 have separate entrances for children's room and for basement reading rooms. Small 
 buildings should have but one public entrance, thus avoiding additional expense of 
 building and oversight. All doors from audience rooms should swing out. 
 
 ARRANGEMENT AND REQUISITES 
 
 As the object of the library is to serve the public most satisfactorily, quickly and 
 economically, the arrangement of rooms must be determined by the needs of the public, 
 the size of the staff, and the character of the work. The most important requisites are 
 good natural light at all points, especially at the loan desk where the clerical work is 
 done, and supervision of the entire floor from the central loan desk in all libraries in 
 which there is but one attendant. In such small libraries the librarian is always at the 
 loan desk during library hours, so it is not necessary to provide for oversight of 
 library rooms from the librarian's office, which is simply a work room to be used when 
 the library is not open to the public. If the permanent staff consists of more than one 
 person, the library should be planned for oversight of certain definite space by each 
 attendant, and by the smallest number of attendants. 
 
 The next consideration is that of storage room for the required number of volumes, 
 to be estimated as noted above, and seating capacity for the largest number of people 
 that will probably frequent the library regularly. The books most used should be 
 stored around the walls of the so-called reading rooms, so that the people may help 
 themselves. This saves time and effort on the part of the attendants, who are too 
 much occupied to act as pages, and who are better employed in other capacities. 
 
 The floor cases must be placed at right angles with the windows for satisfactory 
 light, and with the loan desk so that the librarian may control the alcoves. 
 
 Ample space should be provided in the children's room, as children usually come 
 within a limited number of hours, and must practically all be provided for at the same 
 time. The work for children should be done in one particular part of the building. 
 
 Provision must be made for quiet, and for centralization of all business which 
 requires conversation or public access to the books; coat rooms, class rooms, and 
 audience rooms for the convenience of the public; a room in which conversation may 
 
 12
 
 be allowed, for the use of committees and for adults who meet at the library by appoint- 
 ment. There must be a quiet corner or room for study. Periodicals and newspapers 
 should be provided for in the general reading room. There should be an exhibit room 
 or space for cases for special collections. A vault should be built for the local history 
 collection and the few library records. There must be work rooms, toilet room 
 for the staff, storage room, and space for catalogue cases accessible to loan desk, book 
 and reading rooms. The work room may be combined with the catalogue room and 
 should be on the main floor if possible, and near the loan desk, with door in position to 
 give a view of desk from the room. Larger libraries have catalogue room, newspaper 
 room, periodical room and stack on the first floor, and on the second floor provide for 
 exhibit hall, audience room, class rooms, staff room, stack, and room for special 
 collections. 
 
 Partitions are objectionable and should be omitted, in so far as possible, as they 
 prevent re-arrangement of space, increase expense of oversight, and make it more 
 difficult to light and ventilate. The small library needs but one enclosed room on the 
 main floor, for work room, board meetings, etc. If partitions are used, the main book 
 room at the rear should be the largest room, and should be connected with all other 
 rooms, overlapping reading rooms at either side of delivery room. 
 
 There should be wide, open space between the delivery desk and all adjoining 
 rooms to give sufficient light, and opportunity for oversight. Many of the larger 
 libraries which have partitions, use plate glass, except for librarian's room, in which 
 privacy should be possible (See plan XVI. For unfortunate use of partitions, see plan 
 X and compare it with plan VI). 
 
 No stairway should be used between rooms which it may be necessary to throw 
 together in the future (See plan XII). 
 
 The service stairway is not essential in a small building. 
 
 Illustrations in plans V, VI and VII show the beamed ceilings usually found in the 
 large one-room libraries. The interior wood work is preferably of oak, though many 
 libraries have used birch, which is particularly attractive when it is stained mahogany 
 and used with green walls and green cork carpet. The corticene, or cork carpet, is 
 used for bulletins above shelves and to cover vacant shelves. 
 
 An opening into a flue makes a convenient place for dusting books. 
 
 To meet the needs noted above, the $10,000-$15,000 library is usually planned as 
 follows: 
 
 Basement. High, light, dry basement containing: Hall or vestibule from the main 
 entrance or stairway and from side entrance. Audience room with platform and 
 dressing room. Class room as near audience room as possible. (Some libraries have 
 farmers' rooms, rest rooms or club rooms also). Storage room for books not in con- 
 stant use. A work room, for unpacking books, sorting magazines, etc., directly under 
 the librarian's office, or catalogue room, with a book lift. This lift should carry to 
 second floor of building. Toilet rooms. Boiler room. Fuel room. Janitor's storage 
 room for chairs, double windows, etc. Janitor's entrance way. Janitor's work room. 
 In some places bicycle space must be provided. Large libraries have first floor of stack 
 in basement, and often a bindery. 
 
 A failure to utilize the basement is a defect (see plan IX), but some librarians con- 
 sider it unwise to attempt the large audience rooms. There is no criticism of them in 
 any of the buildings included, though it is undoubtedly difficult to arrange for proper 
 ventilation, and heating is poor with any system except hot water. The basement must 
 be absolutely dry and the walls damp proof. It must be well lighted and heated. The 
 janitor's entrance should be ample to provide for additional entrance to lecture room. 
 A vault is desirable, and should be provided off the storeroom if possible. Disinfecting 
 closet is ordinarily in the basement. All rooms should open into a hall. Entrance 
 through other rooms should be avoided. 
 
 Main Floor. The main floor, except for librarian's room, should be one large 
 room, with vestibule and office enclosed, but may be divided by book cases, periodical 
 cases, etc., into spaces as given under Size with minimum number of square feet as 
 indicated. 
 
 FLOORS 
 
 Main Floor. The best floor covering within the means of a small library is un- 
 doubtedly the corticene or cork carpet noted above. Matting and ordinary carpets are 
 objectionable because they accumulate and scatter dirt, and will not wear. The hard- 
 
 13
 
 wood floor is desirable except for the noise. The best quality of plain cork carpet, 
 without a pattern, costs about $1.10 a square yard and is extremely durable, easily 
 cleaned, and practically noiseless. It is important to secure the best and thickest 
 quality without pattern. This should be used for the entire first floor and all reading 
 rooms, delivery rooms, etc. It is not necessary to have hardwood floor under it. Some 
 of the new libraries have the cork carpet with narrow border of hardwood at the edges. 
 Opinions differ in regard to the treatment of cork carpet. The usual recommendation 
 is to refit it after it has been on the floor a few days, and to oil with boiled linseed oil 
 and turpentine in equal parts before being used, and once or twice each year, after a 
 thorough cleaning. Some places report better success without the use of oil, but the 
 carpet must be refitted before use. 
 
 Basement. Cement floors should be co-extensive with the building. In club-rooms, 
 class-rooms, audience rooms, etc., the sleepers for hardwood floor should be laid on 
 cement floor to provide air space between floors; on these sleepers a lining floor of 
 common boards; and between this and hardwood floor, waterproof paper. Almost with- 
 out exception, basement floors have bulged where this has not been done. Dampness 
 in basement is the cause of some of the greatest problems of buildings (use of basement 
 in summer being frequently impossible because of dampness), and is largely, if not 
 completely, avoided by use of concrete floor throughout. 
 
 HEATING AND VENTILATING* 
 
 A central heating plant for public buildings, or connection with city plant will 
 prove most advantageous. When the large library must provide its own plant, a 
 separate building is desirable. A hot water system is generally considered better than 
 steam, as it is more easily regulated in mild weather and costs less to operate. Initial 
 expense is about a third more, and it requires more radiating space. It is likely to 
 freeze if neglected in cold weather, and will do a great amount of damage if it does 
 freeze. 
 
 Furnaces are never satisfactory for heating the basement, and seldom for the first 
 story, except in mild climates, but they are recommended for very small buildings 
 ($5,000 or less) which are not open every day, nor all day. They require less care, are 
 free from danger of freezing, and are cheaper to install. 
 
 Blast heating by means of a fan blowing air through steam coils gives the best 
 possible heating and ventilating system, but cost of installation and operation seems to 
 make this system out of the question for buildings costing under $25,000. 
 
 A great improvement can be made by making the boiler room lower than the rest 
 of the basement, so that the water line in the boiler is lower than balance of floor: the 
 radiators may then be set on the floor instead of being hung from the ceiling. 
 
 Satisfactory heating of the basement is by no means easy. It is impossible with 
 hot air, and frequently impossible with steam. 
 
 Radiators should be placed to allow as much unbroken shelving as possible, and 
 should be painted with aluminum paint, or to harmonize with wood work or color 
 scheme, thus being made less obtrusive. Where they are within 10 inches of the shelv- 
 ing, they should be covered with metal shield and hood lined with asbestos. Shelving 
 over radiators is, however, never entirely satisfactory and space would be better used 
 for bulletins. 
 
 Stacks of coils or pin radiators may be placed in convenient closets in the base- 
 ment, connected with the outside air, which after passing through the radiators, can be 
 admitted either to the basement or first story, with heated vent pipes in basement and 
 fireplaces in first story. This will give a fair system of ventilation and can be installed 
 at an expense that is permissible in buildings costing $10,000 and over. Such an ar- 
 rangement would cost less than hot water, and is better. 
 
 Suspended radiators add to convenience in fitting cork carpets and in cleaning. 
 
 Ventilators can be placed in ceilings of first story and the air exhausted by means 
 of an electric fan, through the roof, or in the basement through a special vent flue. 
 
 Good ventilation is essential and is most unusual, the chief criticism on buildings 
 being the lack of a proper system. It is usually out of the question to have any system 
 of forced ventilation in a small building, and it becomes necessary to depend entirely 
 upon flues, windows and fireplaces, which are desirable for ventilation, heat and 
 
 * Mr. L,ouis W. Claude of Madison, Wis., contributed notes on heating and ventilating. 
 
 14
 
 attractiveness. The windows should be easily opened and should slide up and down 
 and not swing on hinges, or operate with transom rods, or chain fastenings. 
 
 PLUMBING 
 
 One objectionable feature is the public toilet room. It has invariably proven a 
 great nuisance, and is so generally closed after short experience with it, that the ex- 
 pense of putting it in is considered unwise. Under no circumstances should a toilet 
 room be put on the main floor. 
 
 Economy in plumbing will make it necessary to avoid pipes in many different parts 
 of the building. There should be running water in the janitor's room, librarian's room 
 and work room. Possibly, also, in or near the children's room, as it is often necessary 
 to ask children to wash their hands before handling books. Some libraries have the 
 cabinet wash bowl built in with the shelving in the children's room. Wash bowls for 
 these rooms should always be placed where they can be overlooked by the attendant. 
 
 LIGHTING* 
 
 Good natural light is the first essential in a library building. High windows, ex- 
 tending to the ceiling, are desirable for light, and enable increased shelving capacity. 
 Low windows should be used only at the front, or on the one side of the building 
 which has the most attractive outlook. Windows at sides and rear of buildings are 
 usually high enough to allow for wall shelving underneath. 7' 2" is the minimum height 
 for this purpose, and 7' 6" the maximum. Windows are placed at the rear of the 
 building, or at the rear of the book room, wherever that may be, in proper position for 
 lighting the aisles between floor cases when the library is shelved to its fullest capacity 
 (See plans VI and X). As these aisles should be from 4' to 5' wide for access to 
 shelves, and a minimum of 3' for close storage, the future purpose of the room must 
 determine the placing of windows. These windows should not run to the floor (see 
 interior of plan XII), but they cannot be high enough in the rear walls for standard 
 shelving of full height underneath (see view in plan XVII), if they are to light alcoves 
 in a small library, with 13', or less, between floor and ceiling. The best light for the 
 loan desk usually comes frcm these rear windows, which should, therefore, extend to 
 the ceiling. The light will not carry over 30'. Large panes of glass are better tfian the 
 diamond panes, which are so attractive in many of the illustrations. A skylight is not 
 recommended; it usually leaks, cannot be kept clean, and makes the delivery room too 
 hot for comfort during the summer months. 
 
 Prism glass may be used for sides or rear windows when it is necessary to carry 
 light a great distance, or when light is insufficient on account of obstructions, lack of 
 space, etc. 
 
 Electricity gives the best artificial light. Aisles between book cases must be well 
 lighted in the center. There shculd be case lights (also spoken of as shelf lights or 
 bracket lights) abcve the wall shelves, projecting enough to light bottom shelves, for 
 each 6' of shelving, and seme special kind of ever-head light for reading purposes. 
 Fixed table lights have been very generally used, but when the proper kind of diffused 
 light may be had, they are not necessary. The most usually noted disadvantages of 
 table lights are that they necessitate fixed position of furniture (which is not particularly 
 objectionable except in increasing the difficulties of cleaning the floors), make it im- 
 possible to shift the tables fcr better light, and to distribute the wear of a carpet. 
 Where both ever-head and table lights are used, the over-head lights are often turned 
 out for reasons of economy, and the library has a gloomy, uninviting appearance. The 
 only valid objection to them is the fact that they are not entirely satisfactory for 
 reading. 
 
 It is claimed that a diffused, even li?ht from above is better for the eyes than con- 
 centrated, shaded light from the side. The lamps used for over-head light are either 
 Nernst or incandescent. The chief objections to the Nernst lamps are expense of in- 
 stallation, the fact that they cannct be used with ordinary fixtures, and require the 
 frequent services cf an expert, unless they are maintained by the local electric com- 
 pany. They can be used with alternating current only. 
 
 Tantalum and Tungsten kmps are in- proved incandescent lamps, differing from the 
 ordinary inrandescent in the material and arrangement of the filament. They may be 
 used with either alternating cr direct current, do not requii% the services cf an expert, 
 
 * The notes on Nernst. Tantalum, and Tungsten lights were furnished by Miss 
 Katherine I. MacDonald of Madison. Wis. 
 
 15
 
 and give more light for the same amount of current. The Tantalum gives about twice 
 as much light as the ordinary incandescent, with the consumption of the same amount 
 of current. The limitation of the Tantalum lamp is its sensitiveness to high voltage. 
 In the alternating system it is not so satisfactory with large circuits as its life is im- 
 periled, but with a 60-circuit system it works admirably. The Tungsten lamp is not so 
 sensitive to current, but must be set vertically and must be kept in this position. It is 
 so delicate that it must be packed and transported with the greatest care. The light is 
 brilliant and white, and is said to be nearest to sunlight of any artificial light yet pro- 
 duced. The Tantalum light costs somewhat less than the Tungsten. Either of these 
 lights would be desirable, as improvement in lighting seems to be advancing along the 
 line of the incandescent. If something better is evolved it can be inserted in the same 
 socket, and modifications in the system of wiring will not be required. 
 
 The Holophane glass globes increase the efficiency of the light and diffuse it so as 
 to make it soft, even and pleasant. The spherical globes which enclose the lamps 
 entirely, decrease the light twenty per cent. The greatest efficiency of light is secured 
 by grouping the lamps in bell-shaped globes under flaring reflectors of the same glass. 
 
 Lights should never be planned for purely decorative purposes, as library funds 
 will not permit such use. This applies particularly to lights around cornices and at the 
 base of the dome. 
 
 Fixtures should be plain and substantial. The table and case lights should have 
 green transparent shades, those for the case lights covering the upper part only, in the 
 Form of reflectors. 
 
 The building should be wired so that lights may be operated for the first floor from 
 a central switch board at, or near, the loan desk, and the ceiling lights for each room 
 should be on a separate switch. Three point switches should be used for entrances, 
 stairways, etc. Table and case lights should be operated separately. In the stack or 
 book room, lights between cases should be operated separately for each aisle. The 
 switch for the hall and porch lights should be in the vestibule and should be operated 
 with a key, to prevent manipulation by the public. The switch-board in the audience 
 room should be so placed as to be controlled, during an illustrated lecture, by the 
 operator of the lantern. It is economy to provide a sufficient number of switches for 
 independent control of each part of the library. 
 
 WALLS 
 
 Walls and ceilings of sand-finished plaster shculd be sized and tinted with water 
 cclcr, and shculd harmcnize with the wood wcrk. Exposure must determine color to 
 be used, as dark colors absorb light, and light colors reflect it. Green, yellow and 
 terra cctta tints are desirable. A light brown, or tan, shade makes a restful, unob- 
 trusive wall. The ceilings should be light in color to reflect light onto the reading tables. 
 There shculd be but one wall cclor used in the small library. No decoration is 
 necessary aside from tinting. The lower part of the walls will be lined with books, and 
 the few blank spaces will probably be used for pictures or casts. Walls behind shelving 
 which is not backed, shculd be painted with three coats of oil paint the color of the 
 shelving. Moulding should be provided, and in all low rooms cornice moulding should 
 be used. A frieze of ccrticene or burlap above the low cases and over the radiators 
 will give a good background for pictures. 
 
 SHELVING 
 
 The shelving, including periodical cases and all other wall cases, is usually built 
 by the contractor, though special shelving is made by firms, which deal in library 
 furniture. It is unnecessary for small libraries to buy patent shelving or to go to the 
 expense of having shelving made outside of the contract. Plain wooden wall shelving 
 is better than any ether, and as good as metal shelving for the double-face floor cases. 
 It is not necessary to have solid hardwood shelves, but facing should be the same as 
 other finish wood. Library shelving must be built according to standard measurements 
 and should be finished square on the edges. Upright, base, and cornice shculd be 
 finished flush on edges, and there should be no projections on which the books may 
 catch. A projecting base becomes very unsightly. The shelves need not be backed 
 except for the sake of appearance. All shelving should be fitted into the casing and 
 cornices. The length of the shelves should be uniform throughout the library, so that 
 they may be interchangeable. Wall shelving should be the same height throughout, as 
 
 16
 
 the rooms may eventually be used for different purposes, and because a broken line 
 detracts from appearance. The shelving in the children's room may have cupboards 
 or bulletins fitted in above the five or six shelves which the children can easily reach. 
 It is not necessary to make all the shelves movable, but they must be made so in the 
 reference rocm, and possibly in one section or case of each of the other rooms, to 
 accommodate large books in the classes to be shelved n these rooms. 
 
 The usual faults of shelving are: Making the shelves too long, so that they sag 
 with the weight of the books; making them too high, so that the upper shelves are not 
 easily reached; projections against which the books catch; and poor shelf supports. 
 
 Cases are usually built seven shelves high. Each section or space between uprights 
 should not be ever 36" long, and less than that is preferable, especially in cases for 
 heavy books. Shelving is ordinarily made of 1" lumber finished to ^g" with uprights of 
 \y 2 " and 2" lumber. In fixed shelving there should be a space of 10" clear between 
 shelves, the depth not to be over 8" except for reference books. The base should be 6" 
 high; the cornice about 4". This will make 7' 2" for a seven-shelf case. Space 7' 6" is 
 preferable allowing one or two higher shelves. Movable shelves should be built 
 on the same measurements. The best supports are good-sized metal pins, 
 fitting in a double row of holes in the uprights and in the slots on the under side of 
 the shelves. The holes in the uprights should be about 2" from each side and 
 1" apart. Care should be taken to have holes bored in all uprights on exactly the same 
 measurements. They must be placed to allow the 10" spacing noted above. This shelv- 
 ing will serve for all but the reference room. Some wall cases with ledges and space 
 for over-size books are necessary in this room; also sections for dictionaries and atlases, 
 which are best shelved on their sides, and for which roller shelves are desirable. The 
 movable shelves fcr reference books should be built with a fixed ledge 36" from the 
 floor, the shelves beneath the ledge being deeper than those above, and none of them 
 over 30" long. The case should be about 9" deep above the ledge, 18" at the ledge, and 
 12" below it, with the fixed ledge of \y z " lumber. Case should be 7' 2" high, like all the 
 shelving. 
 
 There should be movable shelving in the librarian's room, supplemented by storage 
 and coat cupboards with locks. If special, low shelving of six shelves is desired for 
 the children's room, it may be built 6' 3" high, with 6" base and 4" cornice. The double- 
 face floor cases for the book room should be built according to the measurements for 
 wall shelves, with double depth, and may have paneled ends. It is not necessary to put 
 in backing, as it cuts off light and air, but it is essential to use strips or partial backing 
 to prevent books sliding through (See plate Va for interior view showing bookcases 
 with low windows, plate Via for cases under windows, plate VHIb for cases used as 
 partitions, and plate XXc for patent stack). 
 
 Periodical cases should be built in as part of the wall shelving in the reading room. 
 Pigeon holes may be used to store back numbers, provision being made in lower 
 shelves fcr large-size magazines. These pigeon holes should have a space of about 
 4" clear between shelves of Y^" stuff, with a semi-circle cut out of the front edge. They 
 may be 8" deep and 10" wide. The current magazines should be kept in a sloping case, 
 which may be built above the pigeon holes or cupboards, or as a separate case (see 
 plates Vb, Via, XI Vc and XVIIId). Library Commissions can usually loan excellent 
 plans for these cases. 
 
 Every available foot of wall space should be utilized for shelving either between or 
 under the windows. 
 
 Double-face cases in main book room should not extend to the rear wall, but space 
 for aisle should be left at end of cases. 
 
 LOAN DESK 
 
 The loan desk must be carefully planned. It should have drawers to hold 
 borrowers' cards, applications and supplies, as well as the loan desk money. In a small 
 library a flat top desk will serve, but if the circulation is large, it would be better to 
 have a higher, larger desk, possibly octagonal, with a small opening at the rear; or, if 
 an open desk, the space at the rear will be closed by table or catalogue case. It is more 
 convenient for the loan desk worker to have the borrowers kept at a distance. The 
 desk should be from 24" to 30" wide, and net ever 40" high. The top should be flat, 
 should project beyond sides and should have plate glass cover in center. It will be 
 about 10' wide, outside measurement, and have 6' clear space inside (large enough for 
 book truck and chair and for two or more persons to work with ease). The drawers, 
 shelves and cupboards must be carefully built according to measurements furnished by 
 
 17
 
 State Commission, or by some other library. The sunken charging case is not generally 
 considered desirable. The top of the loan desk will be used in small libraries for 
 catalogue cases, slip cases, and charging cases which should be movable (see view in 
 plate Via fcr clcsed loan desk and plate VHIb for open desk). 
 
 FURNITURE 
 
 Priced lists cf furniture are given in the notes to plans XIII and XVIII. It is not 
 the purpose cf this pamphlet to go into details in regard to furniture, but a few 
 suggestions are cffered. All of the special cases are usually included in the building 
 contract for small libraries. They must be made to order for any building, and plans 
 should be secured from the State Commission. 
 
 Tables. Long tables are undesirable; numerous small tables seating six people are 
 better, as they are more easily moved, readers are more comfortable, and order is 
 better kept. 30"-36" seating space should be allowed for each grown person. Tables 
 for adults may be from 5*4' to 6' long, 3' wide and from 30" to 31" high, seating six 
 persons. It is best to provide some of each height. Tables for public reading rooms 
 should be without drawers, as the drawers will be used for waste baskets. A few 
 round tables (4' in diameter) add to attractiveness, and are better adapted for quiet 
 study. Sloping-top tables and reading desks are not as much in favor as flat-top tables. 
 Foot rails and solid ends are to be avoided, because they soon become marred and un- 
 sightly. Deep side pieces are uncomfortable for readers who wish to draw near to 
 the table. 
 
 Three sizes of tables should be provided for the children's room. They may all be 
 from 5y 2 to 6' long and 3' wide, but should differ in height, being 22", 26", and 28" high. 
 If round, they may be 4' in diameter. 
 
 Chairs. It is necessary to have strong, light-weight chairs which will be easily 
 kept clean. Bent-wood chairs have these good points, but they are not very ornamental, 
 and not so comfortable as some of the wooden chairs of different shape (see plates 
 IVb, VHIb). Arm chairs are a nuisance at reading tables, but a few should be provided 
 for readers not at the tables. The addition of one or two rocking chairs will bring com- 
 fort to some readers, but they are not practicable in a crowded room. Jnless there is 
 a cork carpet, all chairs must be provided with rubber tips. Cup-shaped tips fitting 
 over the leg like a cap, and the style which is inserted in a hole bored in the chair leg, 
 are not durable. The rubber companies furnish, at reasonable prices, tips which are 
 screwed into the leg. 
 
 Chairs for children's room should be in three sizes, to suit the height of the tables, 
 the seats 14", 16" and 17" from the floor, with back and depth of seat corresponding not 
 large chairs cut down. 
 
 Revolving chairs will be needed for the loan desk and librarian's desk and folding 
 chairs for the lecture room. 
 
 Newspaper rack. See views in plates Xlb and XVIIc. 
 
 Sloping cases. Sloping cases are useful for displaying new books and selection of 
 good bocks, and fcr receiving books returned to the librarian's desk (see view in 
 plate Vllb). 
 
 Dictionary and atlas shelves. Patent stands are unnecessary. Shelves of special 
 size designed for this purpose may be built against side walls or under windows. They 
 should have sloping top with strip at edge to prevent sliding. Roller shelves in 
 reference case will be suited to other large books. Folio case should be furnished. 
 
 Book truck. The truck will be indispensable for carrying returned books to the 
 shelves, and fcr the use of the cataloguer working on new books. It should be rubber 
 tired (see plate XVIIb). 
 
 Photograph cases. Photographs are well cared for in large drop front file cases 
 bought from office furniture houses. 
 
 Catalogue cases. It is assumed that every library will have a catalogue on cards, 
 which will be filed in cases for the use of the public. Tray cases are best. The base 
 may be a cupboard, table, or folio case for over-size books. Catalogue cases cannot 
 well be made locally, and the State Commission should be asked about merits of the 
 various kinds. Separate cases may be provided for catalogues for children and adults 
 (see plate XVIb). 
 
 Bulletin boards. Bulletin beards are necessary for posting lists of new books and 
 books upon special subjects. They may be filled into spaces over radiators, shelves, 
 periodical cases, and bock bins. They may be covered with corticene or burlap, 
 
 18
 
 preferably corticene, as it makes a good background and does not show tack holes (see 
 plates Via, XIVc). 
 
 All furniture, except catalogue cases, office desks, tables, chairs and book trucks, 
 is usually made locally for the small library which has limited funds. Some library 
 supply houses make specially designed, attractive furniture. It would be well to send 
 
 for furniture catalogues. Addresses of manufacturers will be sent by the State Com- 
 missions. 
 
 The following typical list of furniture for a small building may prove useful. The 
 only criticism which might be made would be that of too great economy, cheap furniture 
 being unsightly as well as unprofitable as an investment. The prices are those quoted 
 by furniture houses in the Middle West, and the list contains everything not in the 
 building contract. 
 
 TYPICAL LIST OF FURNITURE 
 
 Basement 
 
 100 folding chairs at $9 per dozen $75.00 
 
 Lecture room 
 
 1 lecture desk 50" 14.00 
 
 1 lecture arm chair 4.50 
 
 Class room 
 
 2 tables 3'x5' 6", 30" high at $13.50 27.00 
 
 1 dozen bent wood chairs 20.00 
 
 Work room 
 
 2 common wocd chairs at 50c 1.00 
 
 1 work table pine top, drawers 2.75 
 
 Children's room 
 
 1 table 36"x66", 22" high 13.50 
 
 1 table 36"x66", 28" high 13.50 
 
 6 chairs 14" high 10.00 
 
 6 chairs 1 7" high 10.00 
 
 Reading and book room 
 
 3 tables 36"x66", 30" high at $13.50 40.00 
 
 1 revolving desk chair 9.00 
 
 \y* doz. bent wood chairs at $20 30.00 
 
 1 base for catalogue case 20.00 
 
 3 bent wood arm chairs at $5 15.00 
 
 2 rockers at $7.50 15.00 
 
 Reference room 
 
 1 round table 60", 30" high 24.00 
 
 1 table 36"x66" 13.50 
 
 5/6 doz. bent wocd chairs at $20 16.67 
 
 Librarian's room 
 
 Rotary desk chair 9.00 
 
 1 roll cr flat top desk at $15 15.00 
 
 1 work table white top, drawers 2.75 
 
 1 bent wood chair 1.83 
 
 Miscellaneous 
 
 100 shelf label holders 7.50 
 
 100 book supports 7.50 
 
 1 book truck 25.00 
 
 1 umbrella rack 10.00 
 
 1 newspaper rack 10.00 
 
 1 catalogue case at $4.00 
 
 1 catalogue case at 7.00 ^ 32 5Q 32 50 
 
 1 catalogue case at 9.50 
 
 1 catalogue case at 12.00 , 
 
 19
 
 o 
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 20
 
 la 
 
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 1 .' T - - 1 
 
 "Po 
 
 Floor Plan 
 
 Interior 
 East Side Branch Library. Portland, Ore. 
 
 21
 
 EAST SIDE BRANCH LIBRARY 
 
 PORTLAND, ORE. 
 
 ARCHITECTS Doyle & Patterson. 
 
 COST $2,611.90 for complete building (including plumbing, warm air heating, 
 
 hardware, electric wiring and fixtures, shelving, magazine case, delivery desk and 
 
 umbrella stands, grading, cement steps and walks, and architects' commission. Cork 
 carpet not included. 
 
 CONSTRUCTION Entirely of wood with concrete footings.. Basement large 
 enough for heating plant and fuel storage only. Exterior of shingles 9" to weather and 
 wide boards 10" to weather, stained in grey brown, sash and doors painted cream white. 
 Interior of wood, wide boards with battens forming panels, stained light grey. No 
 plastering in building. 
 
 DIMENSIONS 30'x70' with extension 8'6"x20' on rear for stairs, toilet and 
 librarian's room. Ceiling 15' high in clear. 
 
 CAPACITY About 5,000 volumes, will seat comfortably 12: people. 
 
 NOTES The light is particularly satisfactory because the room is lighted on four 
 sides, and with shades of a good green, which are attractive inside against the soft gray 
 finish of the walls and outside against the brown shingle, the light can be tempered. 
 This building is particularly adapted to this locality where the weather is always mild. 
 The cork carpet deadens the noise so effectually that the grown people have not been 
 disturbed by the children. The furniture cost very little and was made by local car- 
 penter. It is Oregon fir, stained a good brown, and the chairs match it. Strong well 
 shaped chairs with wooden seats were $22.00 per dozen. Kindergarten chairs for 
 children were $10.00 per dozen. There are three children's tables and three tables 
 for grown people and many extra chairs about. Fixed shelving is built in and is 7" 
 deep, except for reference books where it runs to 9" or 10" and is from 8" to 10" clear 
 between shelves. New shelving will be run around the room and short book cases, 
 dividing the room, will be used later. 
 
 22
 
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 23
 
 112 
 
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 REFERENCE 
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 GENERAL READING 
 
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 CH/LDRENS' ROOM 
 
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 BASE MEN T PLAN 
 Henry Henley Public Library. Carthage, Ind. 
 
 24
 
 HENRY HENLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY 
 
 CARTHAGE, IND. 
 
 ARCHITECT W. S. Kaufman, Richmond, Ind. 
 
 SOURCE $3,385.30 in gifts of from $1 to $1000, balance from taxation. 
 
 COST $6,500. $500 necessary to complete unfinished basement. lie per cubic 
 foot. Contract $4,000, Heating plant $150, Light fixtures $50, Plumbing $30.10, Wooden 
 shelving $200, Loan desk $67.50, Shades $15.45, Decorating $42.52, Grounds $197.96. 
 Furniture made locally. Tables $8.00, Chairs $26.00.. Revolving shelves and special 
 furniture $20. 
 
 CONSTRUCTION Brick with stone trimming; slate roof. Heated by furnace; 
 lighted by gas; wall shelving only. 
 
 DIMENSIONS 58'8"x40'2", Main floor 13', basement 8' high. 
 
 CAPACITY 11,000 volumes. 4,000 each in reading room and children's room; 
 3,000 in reference room. 
 
 PROCEDURE No ccmpetiticn. "Best results can be had by employing an 
 architect familiar with library construction." 
 
 NOTES Arrangement satisfactory. Need more secluded place for students and 
 for reference work. 
 
 EDITOR'S NOTES Toilet room should be in basement and space used for coat 
 room and storage (see plan III). Shelving probably around all walls except front where 
 windows are low. Loan desk is practically librarian's office and needs shelving and 
 closet room. No private room for Board or Committee meetings except in basement. 
 Compare with plan III for basement stairway and storage room. Think shelving 
 capacity may be over estimated. 
 
 25
 
 Ill 
 
 26
 
 Ilia 
 
 TTiesr 
 
 Public Library. Durand, Wis. 
 
 27
 
 PUBLIC LIBRARY 
 
 DURAND, WIS. 
 1907 
 
 ARCHITECTS Claude & Starck, Madison, Wis. 
 SOURCE Andrew Carnegie, $7,500. 
 
 COST Finished building, $7,761.17, 14^4c per cubic foot. Contract $6,715.47 (in- 
 cluding shelving), Heating plant $348.76, Light fixtures $130.08, Cork carpet $165.32, 
 Architect's fee $242.84, Furniture $158.70. 
 
 CONSTRUCTION English Gothic architecture. Local red brick with Dunville 
 stone foundation and trimmings; gables timbered and plastered with rough cast; red tile 
 roof; plate glass. Building harmonious in color and proportion. Interior is yellow 
 pine. Cork carpet over pine on main floor. Basement floors pine and cement. Hot 
 air furnace. Excellent natural light. Nernst electric ceiling lights. Fireplace aids 
 ventilation. 7'2" adjustable wall shelving in all rooms, special reference case in rear 
 room. Cupboards with cork covered bulletins over children's shelves. Walls tinted 
 light brown. Woodwork, chairs and tables stained like weathered oak. Library prac- 
 tically one large room. Very attractive and satisfactory. 
 
 DIMENSIONS 61'6"x22 6". Extensions: front 12'xl8'6", rear Il'xl8'6". Main 
 floor 12'6" high; basement 10'. 
 
 CAPACITY 4,100 volumes. Seating capacity, 24 on each side, 6 in reference 
 corner. 
 
 PROCEDURE No competition. 
 
 NOTES Inside woodwork should be better. Hot air furnace a mistake. Base- 
 ment cannot be heated. Advise hot water. 
 
 EDITOR'S NOTES Suggest high windows in rear *valls if plan permits, as rooms 
 should be lighted from this side. Windows at rear of reference alcove would be better 
 than at sides. 
 
 28
 
 IV 
 
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 B 
 
 Of 
 
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 29
 
 IVa 
 
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 30
 
 IVb 
 
 Delivery Desk and Book Room 
 
 Frcm Reading R^cm, showing Entrance 
 Public Library. West Liberty, la. 
 
 31
 
 IVc 
 
 From Children's Room 
 Public Library. West Liberty, la. 
 
 32
 
 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY 
 
 WEST LIBERTY, IA. 
 1905 
 
 ARCHITECTS Patton & Miller, Chicago. 
 SOURCE Andrew Carnegie, $7,500. 
 
 COST $7,954.58, including furnishings. Work room and assembly room in base- 
 ment left unfinished. Estimated cost for completion $350. Cost per cubic foot, 15c. 
 Contract $6,850.20 (including plumbing, heating, ventilation, electric wiring).. Light 
 fixtures $125, Finish hardware $50, Shades $12.50, Decorating $200, Bronze tablet $25, 
 Architect's fee $375.58, Tables $178, Chairs $71, Other items $67.70. 
 
 CONSTRUCTION St. Louis golden mottled hydraulic pressed brick with Bed- 
 ford stone trimmings. Red tile roof. Slow-burning construction. Design very satis- 
 factory. Chcice cf materials, ideal. Should advise one additional foot in height of 
 wall (if means permit), so that eaves would not overhang windows. Cork carpet is 
 used for deadening scund. Heating is by hot air furnace, ventilation being accomplished 
 by air taken in thrcugh an cutside duct and warmed by furnace. Lighting electric 
 incandescent. Windows 3 high and 3 low in each reading room, 2 high and 1 low in 
 stack room. Front windows plate glass. Wall shelving and stacks are entirely of 
 wood. Color scheme: walls sage green, ceiling deep cream. Rooms arranged to have 
 all parts in view of delivery desk with librarian's room next to entrance and opening 
 off delivery room for control of entrance. 
 
 DIMENSIONS 43'6"x43'6". Main floor 12' high, basement 10'. 
 
 CAPACITY 1,700 volumes in each reading room and 2,500 in stack room. Total 
 5,900. It would be difficult to add to the stack room, but easy to increase either of the 
 reading rooms by extending to the side or to the north. In a small library the architect 
 believes it more desirable to do this than to attempt to increase the stack room, as 
 ample provision is always made for wall shelving in the various reading rooms. 
 
 PROCEDURE Visited a number of small libraries. Employed architect on com- 
 mission, without competition. Employ the best library architect obtain- 
 able. Consider interior arrangement of primary importance, giving ornamentation 
 of building a secondary place. Seek advice of Library Commission. Study and adopt 
 (in general) suggestions given by them. Do not attempt to get the building c h e a p . 
 Economize on ornamentation. A thoroughly competent architect is a protection to the 
 building committee against unfair prices. 
 
 NOTES To reduce cost a cheaper brick could be used such as the vitrified paving 
 brick and wood shingled roof substituted for the tile roof. Pine used for the finish, and 
 in all, possibly $1,000 could be saved. 
 
 EDITOR'S NOTES Shape of stack room probably owing to lot. Filling out 
 square would add to capacity and not to cost.. Object to walls between stack room 
 and adjoining rooms. Stack room has too small a capacity to justify use for storage 
 exclusively and should be part of main room. Librarian's office well placed. Position 
 of columns at loan desk objectionable. Architectural features should be improved in 
 any building modeled upon this. 
 
 33
 
 O 
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 34
 
 Va 
 
 From Entrance 
 
 Public Library. Covina, Cal. 
 
 35
 
 Vb 
 
 Reading Room 
 
 PUBLIC LIBRARY 
 
 COVINA, CAL. 
 1905 
 
 ARCHITECT Franklin P. Burnham, Los Angeles. 
 SOURCE Andrew Carnegie, $8,000. 
 
 COST $8,217. Contract $7,292 (including all stacks, tables, delivery desks and 
 hardware). Hot air furnace $150 Electric fixtures $125 Cork carpet $300 Architect's 
 fee $350. 
 
 CONSTRUCTION Outside walls common brick cemented. Flat composition 
 roof. Building considered slow burning. All inside finish, book-cases, desks, tables, 
 etc., of Oregon pine. 
 
 DIMENSIONS 56'x37'. Cellar under entire building 7'6" high. Main floor 5'3" 
 above ground. Reading and children's room 14'6" high. Stack space 7'6" high with 8' 
 attic over same. 
 
 EDITOR'S NOTE Public toilet rooms should not be on main floor. Librarian's 
 room and work room might well be combined with service stairway from it. Extra 
 room in corner resulting from this combination and taking put toilet rooms would make 
 desirable class room. Low windows at sides reduce shelving capacity and make stack 
 room a necessity. Rear aisle necessary in stack room. Position of cases makes super- 
 vision impossible. 
 
 36
 
 VI 
 
 O a- 
 
 M 
 
 &> 
 
 VO 
 
 w 
 
 37
 
 Via 
 
 FIRST FLOOR PL*N 
 
 Delivery Desk and Book Room 
 Public Library. Eugene, Ore. 
 
 38
 
 VIb 
 
 PLAN 
 
 Public Library. Eugene, Ore.
 
 PUBLIC LIBRARY 
 
 EUGENE, ORE. 
 1906 
 
 ARCHITECT Y. D. Hensill, Eugene, Ore. 
 SOURCE Andrew Carnegie, $10,000. 
 
 COST Finished building $9,645 (including shelving, cork carpet, periodical case, 
 bulletin boards, and items given below, except furniture). 14c per cubic foot. Heating 
 plant $600. Plumbing fixtures $287, Finish hardware $45, Loan desk $40, Decorating 
 $70, Grounds $260, 8 oak tables $80. 
 
 CONSTRUCTION Mission style. Buff pressed brick, with concrete foundation 
 and tile roof. Slow-burning construction. Interior finish in Oregon pine. Floors 
 doubled and deadened. Cork carpet. Hot water heat. Well lighted by day. Electric 
 ceiling, table and case lights. Fireplace aids ventilation. Wood shelving 7'2" high, 
 movable, with metal pin supports. Wood work stained brown, walls and ceilings in 
 orange and yellow. Effect very good. 
 
 DIMENSIONS 50'x45'7". Main floor 13', Basement 9'6" high. 
 
 CAPACITY 12,000 volumes. Seating capacity of general book room and reference 
 room 40, of children's room 25. Lecture hall seats 250. 
 
 PROCEDURE Board members informed themselves by consulting with State 
 Commissicn. Architect engaged without ccmpetition. 
 
 EDITOR'S NOTES Entrance to basement is from portico, causing inconvenience 
 to librarian, and being objectionable on account of lack of oversight. Insufficient ven- 
 tilation. Librarian's room should have low windows, and should be larger. Otherwise, 
 building is entirely satisfactory and most attractive. Perfect from standpoint of over- 
 sight and light. Would omit cases between book and reference rooms until necessary. 
 Should have larger conversation room if possible. No room planned solely for book 
 storage a good point in a small library. Exterior not consistently Mission style. 
 Front windows out of scale with facade. 
 
 40
 
 VII 
 
 13 
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 41
 
 Vila 
 
 Public Library. Richland Center, Wis. 
 42
 
 Vllb 
 
 Book and Reference Room, from Children's Room 
 Public Library. Richland Center, Wis.
 
 PUBLIC LIBRARY 
 
 RICHLAND CENTER, WIS. 
 
 1904 
 
 ARCHITECTS Claude & Starck, Madison, Wis. 
 SOURCE Andrew Carnegie, $10,000. 
 
 COST Finished building $9,721.51. 12.7c per cubic foot. Contract $8,779. Light 
 fixtures $134.75, Floor covering $175, Architect's fee $361.76, Furniture $271. 
 
 CONSTRUCTION English Gothic architecture. Basement rough local stone. 
 Walls of local red sand-mould brick. Slate roof. Gables timbered and finished with 
 rough cast cement. Interior finish, oak. Cork carpet over pine floor, no provision for 
 deadening sound, basement floors pine. Heated by steam. Natural light: Satisfactory, 
 with low windows at front and sides of building, high at back. Too dark in librarian's 
 room. Artificial light: Electric by table and ceiling lights. Ventilation at bottom of 
 baseboard, cold air duct into heating plant. Ventilation not satisfactory. Regular oak 
 shelving 7'2" high. No patent shelving used. No stacks, special shelving in reference 
 room. Children's shelving low with cork bulletin above. Storage shelves in store 
 room in basement. . Extra shelves in librarian's room. No partitions except for 
 librarian's room, which is in rear corner of building. 
 
 DIMENSIONS 73'2" (including bay windows 57'8" without) x36'6". Main floor 
 13' high, basement 10'. 
 
 CAPACITY 3,000 volumes with present shelving, without floor cases. Seating 
 capacity 20 for each room. 
 
 PROCEDURE No competition. Architect chosen after visits to small libraries 
 recently built and upon consultation with State Commission. 
 
 NOTES Librarian's room is too small, could not be used for board meetings, 
 windows in that room too high and make room dark. Radiators in wall under shelves, 
 even when protected by asbestos guards, are too warm for books in shelving above. 
 Building very warm in summer. Chain fastenings for windows unsatisfactory. 
 
 EDITOR'S NOTES Position of stairway and outside entrance to basement 
 particularly good. Bays cost space and money but are most attractive. 
 
 44
 
 VIII 
 
 id 
 
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 TO 
 
 45
 
 Villa 
 
 Public Library. Darlington, Wis. 
 46
 
 VHIb 
 
 Reading Room 
 
 From Children's Room 
 Public Library. Darlington, Wis. 
 
 47
 
 PUBLIC LIBRARY 
 
 DARLINGTON, WIS. 
 1904 
 
 ARCHITECTS Claude & Starck, Madison, Wis. 
 SOURCE Andrew Carnegie, $10,000. 
 
 COST $10,117.73. Basement unfinished, cost of completion $600. 12.83c per cubic 
 foot. Contract $9,297 (including book cases and loan desk). Heating plant $770, 
 Lighting plant $135, Plumbing $200, Floor covering $203.10, Architect's fee $379.65, 
 Furniture $168. 
 
 CONSTRUCTION Gothic architecture. Pressed brick and Bedford stone, with 
 slate roof. Plate glass. Oak finish inside. Pine floors covered with cork carpet. 
 Steam heat. Electric lights in ceiling and on each table. Natural light excellent from 
 high windows at rear. Ventilated from windows and fireplace. Oak wall shelving 7'2" 
 high. Low shelving with corticene bulletin above in children's room. 
 
 DIMENSIONS 60x48. Main Floor 12'6" high, basement 10'. 
 
 CAPACITY 5,000 volumes, without use of floor cases. Seating capacity 20 each 
 for reference and children's rooms, 32 for book room at rear. 
 
 PROCEDURE No competition. Visited new libraries designated by Commission 
 and employed architect with library experience. 
 
 EDITOR'S NOTES Partitions between general book room and adjoining rooms 
 not necessary. Floor cases sufficient. Otherwise building meets needs of small library 
 perfectly. 
 
 48
 
 IX 
 
 ai 
 
 p < 
 
 5' 
 P 2. 
 
 0) 
 
 a 
 
 49
 
 IXa 
 
 LIBRARIANS RM 
 
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 c>TAGK ROOM 
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 GHILDRtW 
 
 
 
 JR 
 
 
 REAEHM 
 
 ffiRdOM 
 
 5*' 
 
 
 
 I VtSTIDULJL 
 
 
 
 FIRST 
 
 Looking east into stackroom 
 Public Library. Vineland, N. J. 
 
 50
 
 IXb 
 
 Locking north into Children's Room 
 Public Library. Vineland, N. J. 
 
 51
 
 PUBLIC LIBRARY 
 
 VINELAND, N. J. 
 
 COST $10,000. 
 
 CONSTRUCTION Granite trimmed with white stone. Rooms separated by low 
 railings. Circular delivery desk in center. Oak floors without covering. Wall cases 5 
 shelves high in children's room and reading room. Wooden stacks, 8 shelves high in 
 stack room. Well lighted basement with but 2' under ground. 
 
 CAPACITY 20,000 volumes. 
 
 EDITOR'S NOTES Lack of shelving in reading room a defect. High windows 
 at sides would be better. Librarian's room too small, as it is the best room in building 
 for board cr class meetings, and only room for storage of supplies, books and 
 magazines. Trustees' room in basement more suitable for storage space necessary in 
 all libraries. Stack room is, of course, suitable for general reading room also. Exterior 
 might be greatly improved, especially by omission of cupola. Overcrowded with heavy 
 detail not in keeping with dimensions. 
 
 52
 
 3 
 
 c 
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 Xa 
 
 FIRST FLOOR PL.AM 
 
 Stack Room 
 Public Library. Kearney, Neb. 
 
 54
 
 PUBLIC LIBRARY 
 
 KEARNEY, NEB. 
 1905 
 
 ARCHITECTS James Tyler & Son, Lincoln, Neb. 
 SOURCE Andrew Carnegie, $12,000. 
 
 COST $11,700. Contract $9,800 (including shelving, steam heating plant, delivery 
 desk, etc. Architect's fee $250. 
 
 CONSTRUCTION Pressed brick with stone trimmings and iron roof. Heating 
 plant and store room in basement. Electric lights in ceiling and on tables. Wood 
 shelving with fixed shelves, not satisfactory. 
 
 DIMENSIONS 66'4"x41'3". Main floor 14', Basement 8' high. 
 PROCEDURE Competition. 
 
 EDITOR'S NOTES Building cut up with too many partitions. Periodical room 
 too small, should extend to end of reading room. Failure to utilize basement a defect. 
 Less money has given much more space in preceding plans. This plan of book room 
 shut off from reading rooms is undesirable for small libraries. Aisles in stack room 
 are too narrow. Toilet room badly placed. Poor fenestration. 
 
 55
 
 XI 
 
 3 CM 
 
 O 
 
 56
 
 XIa 
 
 Public Library. Hutchinson, Minn. 
 
 57
 
 Xlb 
 
 Book Room, from Reading Room
 
 PUBLIC LIBRARY 
 
 HUTCHINSON, MINN. 
 1904 
 
 ARCHITECT Edward S. Stebbins, Minneapolis. 
 SOURCE Andrew Carnegie, $12,500. 
 
 COST $12,159.60, not including furniture. Contract $10,321.50 (including finish 
 hardware, decorating, shelving, floor covering, loan desk and ventilation plant). Heat- 
 ing plant $859, Wiring and light fixtures $151.06, Plumbing $248, Shades $23.90, Grounds 
 $142.60, Architect's fees $396.24, Paper rack and magazine files $17.30, Mission furniture, 
 including 29 chairs, 6 arm-chairs, librarian's chair, 4 oblong tables and 3 round tables, 
 $281.20. 
 
 CONSTRUCTION Light colored, mottled, Roman shape, pressed brick, trimmed 
 with Bedford stone. Slate roof; plate glass windows above basement. Slow-burning 
 construction. The basement floor is maple laid on light joists on concrete. Care should 
 be taken not to lay this floor until all dampness is out of the basement walls and con- 
 crete beneath. Fir would be better than maple, the better withstanding the moisture 
 from below. The floor of the upper story should be laid with deadening felt. Heated 
 by steam. Lighted by electricity. Book stacks and wall shelving are of wood finished 
 in oak, stained dark to match the rest of the interior. Walls are dark green to picture 
 moulding, border and ceiling light cream. 
 
 The alcoves on either side of the main entrance are used as cloak rooms, room 
 back of fireplace for cataloguing. Basement will be used for Historical Society and 
 natural history collections. Arrangement of room is well balanced and fits the needs 
 of the library. 
 
 DIMENSIONS 55'x38' exclusive of porch. First story 16', Basement 10'4" high. 
 
 CAPACITY 8,000 volumes, with possible extension to 16,000. Seating capacity 
 could be increased to 75 or 100. 
 
 PROCEDURE It was the intention of the board to choose plans by competition. 
 Many plans were submitted, but none chosen. Committee finally decided on architect 
 and worked jointly with him. Would advise other committees to go slow, and not be 
 misled by the first plan submitted, with high colors and scenery added to make the 
 sketch attractive. Visit other libraries, if possible, and gather information from all 
 sources available. 
 
 NOTES To lower cost shingles could be used instead of slate, plain glass 
 windows instead of plate glass, cheaper brick could be used, and cheaper finishing 
 material. Fireplaces could be omitted, also toilet rooms, or if desired, the tile floors 
 in these rooms could be replaced with wood. 
 
 Allow and insist upon contractor taking plenty of time to do the work better 
 results will be obtained if job "seasons" as it progresses. See that floor and ceiling 
 joists especially are well seasoned, thus obviating shrinkage, and cracking of plaster. 
 
 EDITOR'S NOTES Librarian's room top small for any purpose. Note that 
 study is used for cataloguing. Book storage evidently confined to book room, making 
 rooms less attractive and inconvenient for public and librarian. Front partitions of 
 book room objectionable, and those at sides unnecessary. Basement store room should 
 not open into lecture room. One outside entrance to basement would suffice. 
 
 59
 
 XII 
 
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 - 5 
 
 60
 
 Xlla 
 
 I 
 
 H 
 
 61
 
 Xllb 
 
 From Reading Room 
 
 Children's Room and Entrance 
 
 Public Library. Tipton, la. 
 
 62
 
 XIIc 
 
 Stack Room 
 
 PUBLIC LIBRARY 
 
 TIPTON, IA. 
 
 ARCHITECTS Mauran, Russell & Garden, St. Louis. 
 
 SOURCE Andrew Carnegie, $10,000. Subscription and local tax, $3,158. 
 
 COST $13,158.53, exclusive of furnishings. Lecture room and class room in base- 
 ment unfinished. Estimated cost of completion $300. Cost 14.7c per cubic foot. Con- 
 tract $11,924.25 (including plumbing, wiring, finish hardware, decorating, shelving and 
 loan desk). Heating plant $1,150, light fixtures $328.02, Grounds $641.07, Architect's 
 fee $506.21. 
 
 CONSTRUCTION Brick with stone trimmings. Slate roof. Hardwood floors. 
 Hot water heat. Electric light. Wood wall shelving. 
 
 DIMENSIONS 55'2"x47'6". Main floor 15'6", Basement 10' high. 
 
 PROCEDURE No competition but investigation. Board prepared preliminary 
 floor plans. 
 
 EDITOR'S NOTES Low windows at side prevent shelves in reading room. The 
 low shelves next to hall are not sufficient. Stairs between reading room and study a 
 serious mistake, preventing future extension of reading room. Study too small and 
 partition between it and stack room undesirable. Stack room evidently to accommodate 
 4 double-faced cases in future and space entirely too small. Aisles should be 4 or 5 
 feet wide in clear when there is access to shelves, and each case requires at least 1'6". 
 Rear windows should not extend to floor as the low glass gives no benefit as to light 
 and is decidedly objectionable otherwise. 
 
 63
 
 XIII 
 
 64
 
 XHIa 
 
 First Floor 
 
 Basement 
 
 Public Library. Watertown, Wis. 
 65
 
 PUBLIC LIBRARY 
 
 WATERTOWN, WIS. 
 
 1907 
 
 ARCHITECTS Claude & Starck, Madison, Wis. 
 SOURCE Andrew Carnegie, $20,000. 
 
 COST $20,000. 12.8c per cubic foot. Contract $15,213 (including lighting, plumb- 
 ing, decorating shelving, loan desk, periodical cases, and other special furniture). 
 Heating plant $1096, Light fixtures $467, Floor covering $340.41, Shades $49.30, Grounds 
 $411.63, Architect's fee $815.55. Other items, extras, temporary insurance, fireplace, etc., 
 $678.48. Furniture, white quarter-sawed oak with fumed oak finish, cost $630. Items: 
 3 tables, 58" diameter, 30" high; 2 tables, 5' diameter, 26" high; 2 tables, 5' diameter, 
 28" high; 1 table, 3x5, 30" high; 1 book truck; 1 umbrella rack; 24 chairs, 18" high; 16 
 chairs, 14" high; 8 chairs, 16" high; 3 arm chairs; 3 rockers; 1 high swivel chair; 1 low 
 swivel chair; 1 typewriter desk; 1 catalogue case and base, 9 drawers; ] catalogue case 
 and base, 60 drawers. 
 
 CONSTRUCTION Grecian architecture. Roman shape. Pressed brick and Bed- 
 ford stone. Composition roof. Plate glass. First story oak finish, basement yellow 
 pine. Floors, first story, double pine covered with cork carpet; basement double floors 
 on sleepers bedded in concrete; top floor, maple. Heated by hot water system. Natural 
 light from full windows in front, high windows in rear and sides. Artificial light, 8 
 chandeliers of 8 lights, and 1 of 4 lights. 20 case lights and 2 standards on main floor, 
 with 2 lights in entrance; basement has ceiling reflectors and side lights. Ventilation 
 secured by means of indirect coils in basement with window to outside and registers in 
 basement and first floor, and by fireplace. Shelving, wood, wall cases. No patent 
 shelving. Color scheme, soft olive green walls with lighter green ceilings; wood is 
 fumed oak. Main floor practically one large room with delivery room and book room 
 in center portion. Reading and reference rooms on side street. Children's and 
 librarian's rooms on inside of lot. Partitions for librarian's room do not extend to 
 ceiling, walls being ccmposed cf shelving. Basement lecture room and men's club 
 room, have independent entrance. 
 
 DIMENSIONS 84'x44'. Main floor 13'9", basement 10' high. 
 
 CAPACITY 6,000 volumes with present wall shelving. 1,400 in reading room, 
 2,800 in book room, 1,800 in children's room, 150 in study alcove. Seating capacity 60. 
 
 PROCEDURE Architect chosen by committee, after inspection of several build- 
 ings. A library board about to plan a building should first visit a number of libraries 
 erected at a similar cost in order to have some knowledge of library buildings, as to 
 what is a necessity and what is to be avoided, profiting by the experience of others. 
 Plans and specifications should be submitted to the Library Commission and others 
 having expert knowledge of library architecture, and their advice and counsel should 
 be sought in all matters pertaining to the construction and all details of the building. 
 
 NOTES The building in which the library was originally located, was in the center 
 of the business interests of the city. In this locality it was exceptionally successful in 
 meeting the needs of all classes. The same idea was kept in mind in selecting the site 
 of the present building, and in fronting almost on a line with all business buildings on 
 the Main Street. The side of the building is on the street. The style of architecture is 
 not well adapted to this location. The needs of a class of people peculiar to this city 
 lave been considered in providing for an attractive reading and smoking room in the 
 basement, with a special entrance direct from the street. 
 
 EDITOR'S NOTES Cost might be reduced by eliminating main floor toilet room 
 and service stairway from librarian's room, both of which are unnecessary, though the 
 service stairway is a great convenience. The basement is particularly well planned, and 
 the main floor is a good example of a library without partitions. 
 
 66
 
 XIV 
 
 c 
 cr 
 
 67
 
 XlVa 
 
 Second Floor 
 Public Library. Oskalocsa, la. 
 
 68
 
 XlVb 
 
 Delivery Desk and Stack Room 
 Public Library. Oskaloosa, la. 
 
 69
 
 Reading Room 
 
 Children's Rocm 
 Public Library. Oskalocsa, la. 
 
 70
 
 PUBLIC LIBRARY 
 
 OSKALOOSA, IA. 
 1903 
 
 ARCHITECT F. E. Wetherell, Oskaloosa, la. 
 SOURCE Andrew Carnegie, $22,000. 
 
 COST $23,774. 12c per cubic foot. Contract $21,603 (including heating, plumbing, 
 lighting fixtures, shades, decorating and loan desk). Shelving $550. Cork carpet 
 $258. Architect's fee $700. Tables and chairs $363. Periodical cases and special 
 furniture $300. 
 
 CONSTRUCTION Pressed brick with stone trimmings. Gravel roof. Slow- 
 burning construction, 
 
 DIMENSIONS 78'x68'. Basement 9', first floor 12', second floor 11' high. 
 
 Procedure No competition. Board submitted provisional floor plans to architect 
 and reserved right to employ another architect if plans were not approved. 
 
 NOTES Few changes desired. Stack should be lighted by several narrow 
 windows at aisles instead of three wide ones. Portico should be deeper. 
 
 EDITOR'S NOTES Reference room seems small. Front stairway to basement 
 should not be from delivery room, but from vestibule. If basement club rooms are to 
 be used by public, better entrances to basement should be afforded, without passing 
 through any library rooms. The committee room in basement should open into a hall. 
 Possibly rear hall could be carried across building. 
 
 71
 
 XV 
 
 U 
 
 72
 
 XVa 
 
 First Floor 
 
 v \> 
 
 X s> 
 
 X 
 
 f-i{ 
 
 X V-' 
 
 0^,-r- 
 
 'UOV 
 ." . ItL'-O" 
 
 i 
 I 
 
 f 1 
 
 15 -6 "x y 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 Aie'r GAI 
 
 Second Floor 
 City Free Library. Huntington, Ind. 
 
 73
 
 XVb 
 
 Basement 
 
 Children's Room 
 City Free Library. Huntington, Ind. 
 
 74
 
 CITY FREE LIBRARY 
 
 HUNTINGTON, IND. 
 1903 
 
 ARCHITECTS Patton & Miller, Chicago. 
 SOURCE Andrew Carnegie, $25,000. 
 
 COST Contract $19,288.69 (including cork carpet, wall shelving and periodical 
 case). Heating plant $1,994.79, Wiring $328, Light fixtures $266.18, Plumbing $697.21, 
 Art metal stacks $965 (a second tier costing $650 added later), Loan desk $125, 
 Decorating $500, Grounds $50, Architect's fee $1,200, 11 tables $300, Chairs $227.35. 
 
 CONSTRUCTION Bedford stone, smooth finish. Tile roof. Cement floor in 
 basement. Floor deadened between first and second stories. Heated from central 
 plant. Wooden shelving in reading rooms. Double storied stack from Art Metal Con- 
 struction Co. 
 
 DIMENSIONS 70'x55'. First story 10'xlO" high, except stack room, which is 
 20'. Second story 9'8" except art gallery which is 16'. 
 
 CAPACITY Main stack room shelves 12,000 volumes. (Not 1,200 as in cut.) 
 Seating capacity, 30 at tables in each reading room and 6 in study. 
 
 PROCEDURE No competition. 
 
 NOTES Service stairway to basement is badly placed. Too conspicuous and in 
 space needed for shelving. (See plans XIII and XV.) 
 
 EDITOR'S NOTES Not enough wall shelving in reading rooms. Study too 
 small. Partitions between fireplaces and delivery room undesirable. 
 
 75 .
 
 XVI 
 
 >> to 
 * o 
 
 2o 
 
 76
 
 XVIa 
 
 n n n 
 u u 
 
 First Floor 
 
 Second Floor 
 Public Library. Eau Claire, Wis. 
 
 77
 
 XVIb 
 
 Public Library. Eau Claire, Wis. 
 
 78
 
 PUBLIC LIBRARY 
 
 EAU CLAIRE, WIS. 
 1904 
 
 ARCHITECTS Patton & Miller, Chicago. 
 SOURCE Andrew Carnegie, $40,000. 
 
 COST $40,003.87. Contract $29,981.20 (including cork carpet and wall shelving). 
 Tile roof $1,600. Gable ornaments $138. Steam pipes in gutters $42. Heating and 
 ventilating $1,719, Electric wiring $5.22, Light fixtures $550, Plumbing and gas fitting 
 $904, Shades $65, Decorations $810, Leaded glass $312, Architect's fees $1,884.66, 
 Superintendence $384, Chairs $295, Catalogue drawers $69, Catalogue case, loan desk, 
 tables and librarian's desk $728. 
 
 EDITOR'S NOTES Admirable plan. Partitions separating reading rooms from 
 stack room might possibly be omitted (see plan XVII for better treatment). 
 
 "9
 
 XVII 
 
 i_ 
 
 I 8 
 
 fi. M 
 
 * o 
 U 
 
 XI 
 
 3 
 PU
 
 XVIIa 
 
 First Floor 
 
 Second Floor 
 
 Public Library. Cedar Rapids, la. 
 81
 
 XVUb 
 
 J 
 
 BASETMCNT 
 
 Delivery Room and Book Alcove 
 Public Library. Cedar Rapids, la. 
 
 82
 
 XVIIc 
 
 Reading Room 
 
 Children's Room 
 Public Library. Cedar Rapids, la. 
 
 83
 
 PUBLIC LIBRARY 
 
 CEDAR RAPIDS, IA. 
 
 1905 
 
 ARCHITECTS Josselyn & Taylor Co., Cedar Rapids, la. 
 SOURCE Andrew Carnegie, $75,000. 
 
 COST $75,000, not including furniture. Half of basement unfinished; cost of 
 completion, $1,000. 20c per cubic foot. Contract $61,869.72 (including wiring, grading, 
 curbing, walks, ventilating fan and motor, and shelving). Heating plant $3,248, Light 
 fixtures $1,144.80, Plumbing $2,389.57, Finish hardware $425, Corticene for office and 
 cataloguing room $72.60, Loan desk $425, Shades $62.61, Decorating $545, Grounds $235, 
 Stage curtains $68, Architect's fee $3,500, Superintendence $1,087.50, Library Bureau 
 furniture $1,700, including: 82 chairs, 3 swivel chairs, 2 desks, 11 tables, 2 magazine 
 racks, 1 dictionary stand, 1 newspaper rack, 2 catalogue cases, 1 picture cabinet (3 units), 
 1 letter file (1 unit), 1 book truck, 1 display rack, 250 folding chairs for auditorium 
 $312.50. 
 
 CONSTRUCTION Simple form of renaissance architecture. Granite base course. 
 Bedford stone lo first floor windows, with window trimmings and cornices of same. 
 Body of wall light buff mottled brick, Norman size, from Columbus, Ohio. Re-enforced 
 concrete for all floors and roof including beams. Roof, low pitch and water proofed 
 with felt, ccmposition and gravel. Fireproof construction. Floors, except in 
 auditorium, are cement cr terrazze; the latter for entrance, space in front of loan 
 counter and in two main rooms of first floor. Auditorium floor of wood. Heating is 
 largely by direct radiation, with indirect radiators to four places on first floor and to 
 auditorium, sre cement cr terrazzo; the latter for entrance, space in front of loan 
 heat: Mains cf Public Heating Co. 
 
 Daylight is distributed by prism glass in transoms and upper sash and in basement 
 windows; and by prism glass ceiling light in art room, with electric lights above glass. 
 Glass on three fronts is otherwise plate. 
 
 Artificial light is generally by pendants, using the Nernst electric lamp. 
 
 Ventilation flues for fcul air are controlled by dampers and registers and carried 
 to attic and there discharged to pass cut through a ventilator on roof, which is separate- 
 ly controlled and has an exhaust fan that can be run when needed. 
 
 Shelving is placed against the walls and is cf wood. The space back of the loan 
 counter will be used for stacks in future as may be wanted, there being height enough 
 for two stcries. The basement rocm under the same space is used for document 
 storage and can be fitted with one stcry stacks. 
 
 Cclcr scheme on main floor is dark green on side walls with ivory on cornices 
 and ceilings. Upper hall a leather brown on walls; auditorium walls a terra cotta; 
 art room a scft green burlap over boards; ceilings generally of yellow tones. Except 
 wainscct in halls the work is water color; wainscot in oil. Entrances, porch and 
 vestibule are lined with white marble. 
 
 04
 
 Directly in front of the inner doors and 20 feet back from them is the delivery 
 desk. Back of this is the book alcove, ultimately to be used as a stack room. Partitions, 
 solid below, plate glass above, separate the reading room and children's room from the 
 entrance and extend half way to desk, where everything is open to allow supervision 
 of whole first floor. There are fireplaces in the children's room and in the librarian's 
 office. The main stairway is in the L, entered from the side street. Service stairway 
 from basement to second floor and a lift large enough to carry a book truck. 
 
 DIMENSIONS 109'x67' and, in addition, a projection 37 x!2'. Height of base- 
 ment 9' 6", of first floor 16', except where beams cross, and of second floor 14', except 
 auditorium, which is 16'. 
 
 CAPACITY Wall shelving. 17,000 volumes. Reading room 5,000. Reference 
 room 3,000, Book alcove 2,400, Children's room 2,400, Document room 4,200. 
 Stack, in future, 17,000. Seating capacity: Reading room 70, Reference room 24, 
 Book alcove 12, Children's room 64, Document room 30, Auditorium 300. Extension: 
 Rear wall, from the projection across the rear of book alcove, etc., is a screen 
 wall carried on beams and columns; as much of the wall as may be desired can be re- 
 moved and the building extended back without disturbing the floor construction of the 
 front portion. 
 
 PROCEDURE The architect was chosen by vote of board without competition. 
 He and building committee visited various libraries of similar size. He submitted a 
 number of designs for front elevation. The plans were approved in same manner. The 
 board firmly believes in its policy of selecting an architect rather than a plan, and feels 
 that the choice of a competent local architect gave them the benefit of his constant 
 advice and supervision. 
 
 NOTES The side entrance and stairway developed from plan for frequent use of 
 auditorium and were made possible by the corner lot. The renting of upstairs rooms 
 makes these still more useful, for they save the library proper much noise and con- 
 fusion. The terrazzo floors are easily kept clean and are attractive.. Their drawback is 
 the noise, particularly in the children's room. In this respect they are no worse than 
 hardwood floors, but of course corticene would be much quieter. 
 
 The exterior is often admired for its simplicity and dignity. The location is 
 especially desirable, being central as regards population and territory and on the edge 
 of the business district. 
 
 EDITOR'S NOTE Compare with other two story buildings and note the relative- 
 ly small space assigned for storage, and the fine reading rooms. 
 
 85
 
 XVIII 
 
 So 
 
 86
 
 XVIIIa 
 
 First Floor 
 Free Library. Madison, Wis. 
 
 87
 
 XVIIIb 
 
 Second Floor 
 Free Library. Madison, Wis.
 
 XVIIIc 
 
 Free Library. Madison, Wis. 
 
 89
 
 XVIIId 
 
 e i 
 
 's 
 
 90
 
 XVIIIe 
 
 1. 1 
 
 o -o 
 
 ti 
 *> >> 
 
 91
 
 FREE LIBRARY 
 
 MADISON, WIS. 
 1905 
 
 ARCHITECTS Frank Miles Day & Bro., Philadelphia. 
 SOURCE Andrew Carnegie, $75,000. 
 
 COST $75,000. 15c per cubic foot. Contract $63,347. Light fixtures (specially 
 designed) $1,146, Steel stacks $2,340, Cork carpet $958, Shades $15, Screens $260. 
 Furniture made by contractor of building: Frame for brass tablet $28.00, 3 window seats 
 built into bay windows $180.00, 1 stand for charging tray $10.00, 1 periodical rack (in 
 exchange for shelving taken out) $25.00, 2 umbrella stands $40.00, 2 shelves for 
 dictionary $4.00, 3 wall newspaper racks $13.00, 5 bulletin boards (3 very large) $21.00, 
 1 charging tray for desk in children's room $3.50. 
 
 Other furniture. First four articles noted below ordered from large factories but 
 orders placed through local dealers (dimensions and designs specified) : 14 tables 
 $164.00, 145 chairs $586.25, Picture and bill files $39.00, Flat top desk $34.00, Plate glass 
 for two pasting tables $10.00, Catalogue case $135.00, 2 leather cushions for window 
 seats $24.00, Mirror and soap dishes for toilet rooms $11.27, Brass tablet $40.00, Fram- 
 ing pictures for Walter Crane frieze in children's room $20.65, Door mats (made to order 
 and very large) $34.75. 
 
 CONSTRUCTION Collegiate Gothic architecture. Building embodies residence 
 idea; grouping of windows an especially fine feature. Rose-colored rough paving 
 brick with regular pattern of darker bricks; cut-stone trimmings. Green tile roof. 
 Slow-burning construction. Steam heat and mechanical ventilation. Building well 
 lighted with sky-lights over art exhibit halls and light well for charging desk; electric 
 lights used, with Nernst lights in reading, reference and children's rooms, and special 
 trough lighting for art exhibit halls. All floors, except in basement, are double, lower 
 floor being of hemlock, then deadening quilt, then clear white maple. Floor on stair- 
 ways of oak; floor in boiler room of cement; all floors except in basement have cork 
 carpet. Shelving of quarter sawed oak built solidly into the wall; stack of steel con- 
 struction furnished by General Fire-proofing Co., Youngstown, Ohio. Provision made 
 for three floors in stack. Color scheme, dark brown wood work, cream ceilings and 
 walls. Fireproof vault and disinfecting closet in basement. 
 
 DIMENSIONS 92'xl02'. Basement 12', first floor 15', second floor 12' high. 
 
 CAPACITY Reading room, 2,500 books, 70 readers; Reference room, 1,000 books, 
 35 readers; Children's room, 3,160 books, 60 readers; Catalogue room, 600 books; Office, 
 860 books; Work room in basement, 3,750 books; Magazine storage room, 2,275 books; 
 Newspaper room, 30 readers; Men's club room, 20 readers; Club room on second floor, 
 150 people; Auditorium in basement, 400 people; Book stack, wall shelving, 1500 books; 
 Book stack, steel stacks, 15,120 books. 
 
 PROCEDURE Architect was engaged by competition, which was held under the 
 direction of an architectural expert as adviser. Competition restricted to local architects 
 and three others invited to enter; $200 compensation for each invited architect and $200 
 each for two others not receiving the prize. Printed program of competition may be 
 had from the librarian. Would advise this method for a good-sized library with any- 
 thing of a problem; for ordinary small library, best thing is to choose reliable architect 
 who has had some experience in planning libraries, and work the plan up with him. 
 
 92
 
 NOTES Large reference library at University made less reference space neces- 
 sary. Unusual use of library by men made special space for them desirable. An active 
 Art association in the city led to the providing of rooms for their exhibits. Library 
 school specified in the gift made it necessary to include rooms for their occupancy in 
 the plans. Work room in basement was made unusually large to shelve school duplicate 
 collection during the summer. Expect to spend annually $750 for heat, $400 for light, 
 $750 for janitor service. 
 
 EDITOR'S NOTES Light not good at loan desk and in passage to book room. 
 Probably better to have open reading room, without partition, at left of loan desk, and 
 reference room at front of building. Alcoves at sides of reading rooms should have 
 doors to hall. Detail admirably worked out. 
 
 93
 
 XIX 
 
 94
 
 XlXa 
 
 
 University of Oregon Library. Eugene, Ore. 
 95
 
 XlXb 
 
 &LCOND FLOOR PLAN 
 
 flln.-l R&, 
 
 University of Oregon Library. Eugene, Ore. 
 96
 
 UNIVERSITY OF OREGON LIBRARY 
 
 EUGENE, ORE. 
 1907 
 
 ARCHITECT Y. D. Hensill, Eugene, Ore. 
 SOURCE State appropriation $25,000. 
 
 COST $25,588.35 for finished building without light fixtures, furniture or floor 
 covering, lie per cubic foot. Contract $22,596.26 (including shelving, periodical cases, 
 and decorating). Heating and plumbing $1,878.71. Architect's fee $1,113.38. Shades 
 $190. 
 
 CONSTRUCTION Simple classical architecture. Basement of artificial stone, 
 two upper stories of pressed brick with stone trimmings. Pressed steel tile roof. Slow- 
 burning construction. Interior wood work of Oregon pine. Floors of soft wood, to be 
 covered with cork carpet. Basement floor of Oregon pine. All floors deadened by hair 
 insulation. Hot water heat from central plant. Artificial light by electricity, wired for 
 ceiling, table, desk, and case lights. Daylight excellent windows high at sides and low 
 at rear and in front. Two fireplaces aid ventilation. Wooden wall shelving and double 
 face floor cases in stack room. Wood finish stained mission brown. Walls and ceiling 
 yellow and orange tints. Exhibition room finished with brown fabricona and lighted 
 by skylights. Main floor one room, except office, consultation and catalogue rooms. 
 
 DIMENSIONS 90'x60'. Basement 10', main floor and second floor each 13' high. 
 
 CAPACITY 23,500 volumes. 75,000 volumes when stack is built to roof. Refer- 
 enc^room seats 60, reading room 60, periodical room 25, stack room about 40. 
 
 PROCEDURE No competition. Plans of other buildings secured, and architect 
 engaged. 
 
 NOTES Class rooms will eventually be used for library purposes, those above 
 stack room being part of stack. 
 
 EDITOR'S NOTES Document room in basement should have door to hall. Con- 
 sultation room should be extended. Librarian's room should have low windows at rear. 
 
 97
 
 XX 
 
 Carnegie Library of Iowa College. Grinnell, la. 
 Cost $49,976. 
 
 98
 
 XXa 
 
 First Floor 
 
 . . 
 
 . 
 
 Second Floor 
 Carnegie Library of Iowa College. Grinnell, la. 
 
 99
 
 XXb 
 
 Basement 
 Carnegie Library of Iowa College. Grinnell, la. 
 
 100
 
 XXc 
 
 Section of Stack Room 
 Carnegie Library of Iowa College. Grinnell, la. 
 
 10]
 
 CARNEGIE LIBRARY OF IOWA COLLEGE 
 
 GRINNELL, IA. 
 1905 
 
 ARCHITECTS Hallett & Rawson, Des Moines, la. 
 SOURCE Andrew Carnegie, $50,000. 
 
 COST $49,976, for building completed and furnished with the exception of class 
 rooms. Some old furniture and shelving used. 15-16c per cubic foot. Contract $41,338 
 (including heating, wiring, ventilating, plumbing and fixtures, and finish hardware), 
 Light fixtures $486, Stacks $5,000 (2 stories with glass floor), Cork carpet for reading 
 room and stair treads $271, Shades $40, Architect's fees $1,041 (services partly given by 
 former student), Furniture $1,700 (including loan desk, 160 tray catalogue case and base, 
 6 tables 16x4, 2 tables 14x4, 4 tables 8x3'6", three magazine racks, two newspaper racks), 
 Incidentals $100. 
 
 CONSTRUCTION Built on classic lines. Red pressed brick and Bedford stone. 
 Slow-burning construction with fire-proof stack room. Interior wood-work of oak and 
 birch. Floors, except in basement, birch. Basement floors of cement or hard pine over 
 concrete. Steam heat from central plant. Natural light good. Electric lights with 
 table, bracket and chandelier lights in reading room, the latter seldom used. System of 
 indirect radiation aids in ventilation. Art Metal Construction Co. bracket stack of two 
 stories, with provision for 3 floors over basement. 
 
 The main library floor is the second floor. This arrangement makes it possible to 
 have a large, light, reading room, extending the full length of the building. What is 
 naturally the dark portion of the building is occupied by the stairway and delivery 
 lobby, well lighted by overhead light. The location of the delivery desk in a lobby be- 
 tween the reading room and the stack room, and with the cataloguing room and office 
 on the third side, is excellent. Students in the reading room or in the stack room are 
 not disturbed by the business that is transacted at the desk. It is also possible for 
 attendants at work in the cataloguing rooms to have oversight of the delivery desk and 
 to help there when needed. Shelf room behind delivery desk is utilized for reserved 
 books. 
 
 The card catalogue case has been fitted into the partition wall between the delivery 
 lobby and the cataloguing room. The doors to the cupboards in the base of this case 
 open into the cataloguing room and they are used for cataloguing supplies. 
 
 The south end of the lobby is used for art displays, the overhead light being ex- 
 cellent for that purpose. 
 
 The stack room plans provide for three stories of stacks. The middle floor, the 
 only one now in use, is on the level with the delivery lobby and the reading room. 
 When the three stories of stacks are all in place no book will be stored more than one 
 floor from the delivery desk. 
 
 The location of the periodical stack room in close connection with the reading 
 room is an excellent feature. 
 
 On the first floor are cloak rooms, with toilet rooms in connection, and several 
 large rooms adapted for special collections. 
 
 Burlap wainscoting in halls and reading room. 
 
 DIMENSIONS 101'xSO' with extension stack room 56'x39'. Height of floors: 
 basement 10', first floor 12', second floor 18'. 
 
 CAPACITY Main stack 95,000 volumes on the three floors, 2 of which are now in; 
 total capacity 200,000 volumes. Reading room will accommodate from 150 to 200 
 readers. Stack room may be extended. 
 
 PROCEDURE The librarian, who was on the building committee, visited other 
 buildings in company with the architect. Architects selected without competition. 
 
 NOTES General arrangement exceedingly satisfactory. Reading room on second 
 floor a great advantage in securing unbroken space and freedom from noise of halls. 
 Might have saved about $2000 by omitting stone trimming. 
 
 102
 
 .atenai to the library 
 was borrowed. 

 
 Gay lord Bros. 
 
 Makers 
 Syracuse, N. Y. 
 
 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 
 
 A 000 784 784 1