New Swan

Library leaders and Building Committee members have been working closely with King and King Architects to make sure the new library is as beautiful as it is functional. Working with the staff, the architects have defined the functional areas of the building to good effect.

The building is designed to orient to the south so that the passive solar gain will provide free heating, lighting and views for all to enjoy. A clerestory high in the rafters will light the back half of the building during the day, and contains operable windows to draw fresh air into the building when the temperature is moderate thus mitigating the heating and cooling costs for the building.. Green spaces, bushes and trees will help to keep the air cooler around the building resulting in lower energy costs. High R-value insulation in the walls and roof will also make the library as energy efficient as possible.

Native vegetation around the building will aid in reducing storm water runoff, and be easy to care for as well. It will also help shield the building from the summer sun, while allowing the sunshine to enter during winter months helping to warm the space. Great care is being taken in this design to make the building beautiful from every angle. The side facing Main Street is filled with large windows, and the entrance, although located on the south side of the building, is angled so that it, too, faces Main Street. The detailing on the building is such that it will be attractive from every direction.

Nearly all the features asked for by the community will be present. The building will be fully accessible, all on one level, with larger meeting rooms, wonderful sitting areas, and space for the collection to grow. There will be more computers, and wi-fi access throughout the building. It will be comfortable, and filled with light in the daytime, and well lit by lamps when the sun is not shining. There will be enough parking for regular users, and for programs.

The inside of the building will be as beautiful as the outside, and will function smoothly for all the varied uses modern libraries fill. The planning is for flexibility, so that as the needs of the community change, the library can change to meet those needs, with a minimum of further expense and fuss.

With all of this being said, I should note that nothing has been set in stone, ideas are still being gathered, and even our final design, submitted to the Albion Planning Board in June, is subject to change as needed. Stay tuned to this blog and the website for updates.