I'm all in favor of building a new, landmark library somewhere Downtown to replace Bennet Martin Library. I agree with supporters that a new library could be built in such a way that would make it a real draw. I don't agree with all of the proposals -- such as making the library hog an entire city block -- but those issues can be worked out. I picture something on half a block. I imagine some sort of public/private partnership, or perhaps a partnership involving multiple government entities. At street level, I picture small businesses, a prominent main entrance to the library, and -- this could be cool, I think -- a separate entrance to the library's computer lab, perhaps paired with a coffee shop. The library could even serve as a bus terminal, though that activity should happen on the side rather than at the front entrance.
How do you envision a downtown library?
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Great idea about the public/private partnership. The City has a real opportunity here to do some long-range planning.
The bus stop suggestion makes sense, depending on the location of the library.
I like the idea of combining retail on the street level.
A public parking garage that could accommodate library patrons would also be a good idea.
I have often wondered if a combined downtown library could serve both the university and the community. Maybe that’s a bad idea but I’ve been curious if that is a possibility.
I wonder if the new high rise could be designed to provide a permanent home for Bennet Martin Library?
I envision it being full of books. LOL
I think using the Pershing block would be swell. Maybe have a small park area where people can sit and read. Please no “native grasses” to adorn the library like those at the Gere branch - there’s a fine line between native prairie and a patch of weeds. That looks like weeds. Maybe room for a handful of cars to park. Maybe a sculpture. If you tear down Pershing anyway, why not take that whole block - it would be a great locale.
I am a huge library fan and go to the main library in downtown several times a week, so I embrace the idea of building a new library downtown.
It seems to me that parking is a big issue here. I really don’t like the idea of people having to pay for parking to use the library. I like the idea of a little green area park associated with the library as well, with enough benches and trees for patrons, and make it wireless too.
I agree the block where Pershing is would be good I think. Its still in the downtown area and accessible to the daytime office crowd, and close enough to the residential neighborhoods as well. I don’t think it would be a bad idea to combine a library with this new humanities center they are talking about building, but if the current plans are to build that in the haymarket, I think that might really cut down the library’s patrons until they make the haymarket more accessible.
A few other key points:
* Again, emphasis on wireless is key
* Large children’s area (the one in the current branch is a joke)
* Lots of comfortable seating
* Natural lighting
I’m sure Karin will have good ideas.
Mr Wilson: I’m curious about what your idea of a public/private partnership might look like? Do you mean bring in outside vendors for a coffee shop, or something more systematic? I could definitely see partnerships with other businesses and non profits to put on activities and classes that benefit the public.
I have my doubts that Lincoln will ever get anything really grand in a downtown library, which is a shame. The article mentioned the Des Moines library, which you can see plans of here: http://desmoinesregister.com/graphics/06april/librarypopup.html
It sorta makes me drool with envy- I’ll have to take a look next time I’m in Des Moines.
If we’re thinking grand, I’d like to see drive through book pickup, a larger children’s area and a real teen’s area, food of some sort (even vending machines would be nice) and lots of meeting rooms for community use. I’ve seen some libraries that have larger spaces for plays and such on upper floors. Of course, lots of computers are essential. I would like to see staff with honed, specialized skills, too. For instance, a teen librarian could lead activities, game nights, etc. for teenagers. A techie librarian could give public classes on safe web use. An artistic staff member could make fantastic displays. (Note that the library already has employees displaying many of these qualities, I just want to see more, and better use of them. and no, it’s not JUST because I want a job. 😉 )
Of course comfortable seating and natural lighting, and wireless are a must.
In my more realistic “what can we actually do?” view, I’d like to see some renovation to the location they have - I don’t believe NOTHING can be done to improve the appearance. Moving some of the administrative offices to less costly real estate could free up some room for the collection- as could some rearranging. I would LOVE to see them improve their signage and split up their fiction collection - they distinguish, for example, Sci-Fi books on the spine, but shelve them with all the other fiction books.
On an upnote, LCL has started a teen blog: http://www.lincolnlibraries.org/Teen_Post_Place/
I hope it continues!
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