Community Library
Anna Goodman
ITDS 4224 Design Research for Interiors, Fall 2024
Table of Contents
Introduction
Mission Statement
Executive Summary
Goals & Objectives
Client Profile
End Users
To support the evolving needs of the community a foundation for a resilient and connected individuals by expanding access to knowledge connection, and reflect the library’s commitment learning and community vitality.
community and foster connected society , empower knowledge and social commitment to lifelong
As community needs evolve , the role of libraries has shifted from being primarily a place of books to dynamic community hubs that provide education, technology, wellness, and social engagement resources. In smaller communities where public space is limited, the library becomes a vital resource center that influences how people navigate the neighborhood, feel a sense of place , and experience belonging , offering programs and spaces that reflect the specific values and needs of the area.
The Indian Valley Public Library (IVPL) has served five communities for over 60 years, and its evolution into a community center reflects a deep commitment to serving the community. Over the years, the library has become a place to connect, learn, and grow.
Guided by a mission to foster lifelong learning, inclusivity, and community well-being, the library is dedicated to addressing the evolving needs of the communities it serves, aiming to fill a crucial gap by offering services that reflect the values and aspirations of its residents. The new library will serve as a community anchor —a place where individuals of all ages can gather, access valuable resources, and experience a strong sense of belonging.
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SUPPORT EDUCATIONAL GROWTH AND LIFELONG LEARNING
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EXPAND ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL RESOURCES
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STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS
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ENCOURAGE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND SOCIAL AWARENESS
PRESERVE AND PROMOTE COMMUNITY BELONGING AND IDENTITY
The library can trace its beginning to 1948 when the SoudertonTelford Women’s Club began to collect and catalogue books. Their collection was located in the council chambers of Souderton Borough Hall, containing mostly fiction. In 1961 the Library Committee was formed to establish plans for an expanded community library.
The Indian Valley Public Library was officially established on April 19, 1963. A year later, the area’s first official public library opened in the old Telford Elementary School, leased for $1 a year from the Souderton School District. The library now serves more than 43,000 residents in Franconia, Souderton, Telford, Upper Salford, and Lower Salford.
By 1979, the 3,200-square-foot library had outgrown in the 80-year-old schoolhouse. The library board approved the purchase of two acres of land on Allentown Road as a first step to building a new library. $150,000 was raised for the project.
Two years later, a roof collapse indicated major structural problems existed at the schoolhouse and the Library Board requested the use of the former Telford Elementary School on Church Avenue (20,000 sq ft) as an interim facility. Here, the library experienced significant membership growth and in 1985 the board voted to renovate the building and adopt the school as its permanent home. That year, the deed for the building was turned over from the school district to the library.
FAMILIES
The library serves parents seeking educational and recreational resources for children, such as storytime sessions, youth literacy programs and familyfocused workshops.
SENIOR CITIZENS
Older adults use library resources for lifelong learning, social connection, and wellness programming. Accessible spaces will support their community engagement.
STUDENTS
All learners will benefit from the library’s access to academic and career resources. This includes homeschooling families and those needing support for remote or hybrid learning.
COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Members engaged in local governance, public issues, or volunteering will have a hub for organizing, hosting forums, and accessing civic resources.
Problem
Problem Statement
History of the Library
Literature Review
Library Data
Library Trends
As community needs evolve , the role of primarily a place of books to dynamic community education, technology, wellness, and social smaller communities where public space a vital resource center that influences neighborhood , feel a sense of place , and programs and spaces that reflect the specific
of libraries has shifted from being community hubs that provide social engagement resources. In space is limited, the library becomes how people navigate the and experience belonging , offering specific values and needs of the area.
FOUNDATION AND EARLY DEVELOPMENT
1776: The United States had 15 publicly accessible libraries, primarily in Pennsylvania, New York, and New England.
1876: Rapid expansion due to public education and technological advances like the rotary printing press resulted in 3,674 public libraries with over 12 million volumes.
1886-1920s: Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of over 1,600 libraries in the U.S., emphasizing function, economy, and future expansion. The Carnegie Libraries set architectural precedents for adaptability and openness.
EARLY 20TH CENTURY INNOVATIONS
1895: The Boston Public Library was redesigned to separate reading rooms from book stacks, a significant architectural milestone.
1902-1911: The New York Public Library incorporated advanced features like book lifts and pneumatic tubes for efficient book delivery.
1948: The American Library Association (ALA) released “A National Plan for Public Library Service,” establishing standards for library design and functionality.
POST-WAR DEVELOPMENTS
1950s: Modular designs expanded, emphasizing flexibility in spaces for books, seating, and technical facilities.
1970s: Libraries like the New York Public Library expanded underground to accommodate growing collections.
CONTEMPORARY LIBRARY TRENDS
1980s-1990s: Libraries began integrating digital media and enhancing public accessibility with technology and community-centric designs.
2000s: Emphasis shifted toward hybrid libraries blending traditional and digital resources, offering co-working spaces, and incorporating environmental sustainability.
TODAY
Libraries now integrate advanced technologies, collaborative spaces, and multifunctional designs to meet evolving societal needs, ensuring their role as cultural and educational hubs.
LIBRARY AND LOCAL IDENTITY
Public libraries are more than just physical spaces, but social infrastructures that foster community, inclusivity, and intellectual freedom . They serve as places for community building, bridging gaps between different socio-economic groups, and actively transforming communities , (Ptacek, 2016).
THE LIBRARY’S ROLE
Libraries address a range of intersecting needs including mental health, exercise, diet, technology literacy, housing, and employment, providing essential services that promote personal growth and social well-being while creating spaces for interaction, learning, and support , (Hammock, 2023).
THE LIBRARY IS NEIGHBORHOOD CENTRIC
Libraries are adept at understanding the needs of their communities and becoming part of the solution to community problems. Centrally located, the public library is woven into the urban landscape, influencing how people navigate the neighborhood, feel a sense of place, and experience belonging. This connection shapes how individuals engage with both the library and the city itself, Lushington et al., 2016).
Programs Offered
Circulation
Adult (717)
Children’s 0-5 (201)
Children’s 6-11 (137)
Young Adult (22)
Print Material (343,305)
Children’s Material (183,235)
Electronic Material (63,789)
Other E-Content (23,501)
Other Physical Items (1,853)
Indian Valley Public Library Data (From Fiscal Year 2022)
Total Physical (119,806)
Books/Print Material (94,506)
Audio - Physical (10,925)
Video - Physical (14,138)
Other Physical (237)
E-Books (12,315)
Audio - Downloadable (9,594)
Video - Downloadable (842)
AGING ADVANCEMENTS
By 2050, one in five Americans could be aged 65 or older and advancements in health and longevity mean individuals are spending more time in retirement, often seeking leisure, lifelong learning, and community engagement . For libraries, this trend underscores the need to adapt collections, programs, and services to meet the interests and needs of older adults.
CO-WORKING
The co-working trend has revolutionized the way individuals and organizations use shared spaces, blending work with community engagement and flexible access to resources. Specialized coworking spaces highlight the potential for libraries to create inclusive environments that serve specific community needs.
COLLECTIVE IMPACT
Libraries have an opportunity to deepen their role as key collaborators in addressing major societal issues such as literacy, economic development, and health equity . They can serve as accessible, neutral spaces for collective impact initiatives and provide resources, data, and programming that align with broader community goals.
CONNECTED LEARNING
Connected learning leverages digital and social media to create interactive, interest-driven, and peer-supported environments. For libraries, it highlights opportunities to bridge gaps between formal and informal education by providing access to technology, internet connectivity, and resources that foster creativity and skill development.
CREATIVE PLACEMAKING
Creative placemaking integrates arts and culture into the physical and social transformation of public spaces, fostering community engagement, economic development, and a stronger sense of identity . Libraries can create environments that reflect shared values, amplify community voices, and empower their communities.
MAKER MOVEMENT
The maker movement empowers individuals to create, invent, and innovate using a mix of new technologies, traditional craft tools, and collaborative communities. For libraries, this represents a shift to becoming hubs of creation and innovation. Library makerspaces can support community learning, entrepreneurship, and technological exploration , making advanced tools and resources accessible to all.
Site Context
Building History
Existing Conditions
Site Development
Site Analysis
Demographics
Harleysville Insurance , originally founded in 1917 in Harleysville, PA, began as a small local company providing automobile and homeowners insurance. Over the years, it grew into a significant player in the property and casualty insurance industry, particularly through the creation of Harleysville Mutual as its parent company in the 1960s. This allowed the company to expand its commercial lines and gradually extend its reach beyond Pennsylvania to multiple states across the U.S. By the 1980s, Harleysville had gone public, fueling further growth through acquisitions of smaller firms. (Company Histories)
In 2012, Harleysville Mutual and its subsidiary Harleysville Group were acquired by Nationwide Insurance, marking a major change for the company. The merger integrated Harleysville into Nationwide’s network while maintaining its focus on independent agency partners, allowing them to offer a broader range of insurance and financial services as part of Nationwide’s extensive portfolio, operating under a unified brand. (ADVFN)
In 2020, Nationwide announced a permanent shift to a hybrid working model. This included closing several offices, including the Harleysville, PA, location, and transitioning most employees to remote work. As a result of this shift, the Harleysville building, which had been a key office for Nationwide, is now vacant. (Nationwide News)
1,800+ Solar Panels
Existing Conditions
Over 1,000 Parking Spaces
Two-story Courtyard
355 MAPLE AVENUE
HARLEYSVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA
Analysis
At least 90% of neighborhoods within 1 mile can access the site through the main trail network.
Over 80 miles entire community healthy, active
miles of paths connect the community and promote active lifestyles.
TRAFFIC DATA
PA-113 and PA-63 (Main Street) record an average of 35,000 vehicles daily, creating a hub that is highly visible and accessible.
Language
Only English
Asian/Pacific Island Languages
Spanish
Indo-European Languages
Other Languages
Age Demographics
10%
Research Summary
ASHLEY TALIAFERRO
Interior Designer at Quinn Evans
“Libraries are like the boots on the ground forces. They don’t often have a lot of money or a lot of time, so they have to make do with that they have and fulfill a lot of needs with a lot of hats.”
• Library projects are about engaging with the community and the library leadership, because each community is different.
Library service models:
• Staff will be behind closed doors, all in one area, and service will come from the circulation desk. There is a clear separation between public and private.
• Librarians are dispersed throughout with smaller service points. This is about serving the patrons where they are.
• A collection heavy service model is more traditional, which breaks up spaces based on the different types of collections.
Secondary spaces:
• Digital labs
• Makerspaces
• Respite spaces
TRACEY REED
Director of The Indian Valley Public Library
“We’re the last great democratic institution in this country. The only thing we ever ask of people who walk in the building is to behave. There are no expectations. You don’t have to spend money, don’t have to check anything out. You can be here all day and do nothing, as long as you behave. And there’s no place else in the country that you can do that anymore, 365 days a year.”
• Library service base is 44,309 people.
• Roughly 20,000 library card holders (~50%)
Staffing:
• 100 volunteers , working in the circulation room, garden club, and mending or fixing the books.
• 10 full-time staff members:
• Director
• Three Children’s Librarians
• Adult Services Librarian
• Digital Services Librarian
• Technical Services Librarian
• Volunteer Coordinator/Tech Services Assistant
• Circulation Supervisor
• Development Officer
• 20-25 seasonal/part-time staff members
Aspirations for the library:
• Individual workspace for part-time staff
• More space for book processing
• Makerspaces
• Teen Space
• Children’s story space, sensory rooms
• Spaces for community partners
• Outdoor programming space
• Auditorium space
ALBION LIBRARY
Toronto, Ontario
Designer: Perkins & Will
Client: Toronto Public Library
Size: 29,000 square feet
Completion Date: 2017
The Albion Library serves as a transformative community hub that emphasizes accessibility, sustainability, and adaptability to meet the needs of its diverse population. This project demonstrates how thoughtful, community-oriented design can make a library not only a place for books but a vital resource that supports education, social connection, and cultural expression.
A technology and business resource center allows adults to conduct business or search for employment while keeping in visual and spatial contact with kids and teens.
Highly adaptable areas , including multipurpose rooms, a digital innovation space, and an “Urban Living Room” accommodate cultural events, performances, and gatherings. These flexible spaces support a range of activities, empowering users to engage in cultural expression, creativity, and learning.
The layout is structured around three glass-enclosed courtyards, dividing the building into designated areas for children, teens, and adults. These courtyards offer outdoor extensions for each user group’s programming and reinforcing the connection to nature.
Site and Floor Plan:
Case Studies
The building’s bold architecture, including vibrant exterior patterns and an open, airy interior, serves as a landmark in the neighborhood. This visually striking design helps the library stand out as a symbol of community pride and progress.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Designer: Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects
Client: Halifax Regional Municipality, Halifax Public Libraries
Size: 156,077 square feet
Completion Date: 2014
The Halifax Central Library functions as a free, public space in the heart of the city, fostering knowledge exchange and community engagement . The library exemplifies the modern role of libraries as multi-functional spaces that go beyond book lending to support education, cultural engagement, and community cohesion, solidifying its place as a cherished civic landmark . Case Studies
Diverse resources and amenities include a 300-seat performance space, music studios, gaming stations, and boardrooms for entrepreneurs. The second floor is entirely dedicated to youth, supporting a range of developmental needs. Specialized spaces like the First Nations reading circle and adult literacy areas also highlight the library’s commitment to inclusivity and community support.
Designed as a “hybrid library,” traditional and innovative programs are combined, making it highly adaptable to future community needs. The building’s open, light-filled atrium connects the various levels, offering a cohesive experience across multiple functions and promoting interaction among patrons.
Floor Plans: Case Studies
Four rectangular volumes are stacked and slightly rotated, aligning to connect the historic Halifax Citadel and Halifax Harbour. The orientation honors the city’s maritime heritage and provides panoramic views from the fifth-floor “Halifax Living Room,” connecting patrons to Halifax’s cultural and historical context.
Washington, DC
Designer: OTJ and Mecanoo
Client: Washington, DC Public Library
Size: 450,000 square feet
Completion Date: 2021
Originally designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1972, the library now embodies the values of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a dynamic, inclusive hub for learning and community engagement.
The library now features a public roof garden, 291-seat auditorium, fabrication lab, and community studios for music, dance, and yoga. These additions emphasize activity and collaboration, transforming the library into an active civic space rather than just a place to read.
Facilities like the fabrication lab and skill-training areas provide resources for hands-on education and professional development , aligning with Dr. King’s vision of empowerment and equality . The library also hosts events and workshops, reinforcing its role as a center for community growth.
Floor Plans:
Case Studies
The library caters to diverse audiences, from a colorful children’s library with age-specific zones and a slide, to quiet reading areas and a rooftop “sky-garden” offering tranquility and city views. These spaces reflect a commitment to inclusivity and engagement across all demographics.
Design
Recommendations
Floor Plans
Program Requirements
Line-by-Line Program
Adjacency Diagrams
Code Requirements
ADA Considerations
Design Challenge: Multiple entry points
Courtyard
Loading Dock
Exterior Patio
Loading Dock
~ 12,000 sq. ft each
3RD FLOOR
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2
3
The library needs adaptable spaces events and cultural programs. The library must provide reliable devices, digital skills workshops to ensure equal online resources for all residents. The library must adapt to modern flexible spaces and programs that collaborative work, and digital literacy.
spaces to support community devices, internet access, and equal access to technology and educational needs by offering support independent study, literacy.
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Accessible indoor and outdoor spaces residents can gather informally, interact connections across diverse demographics.
5 6 7
Resources and spaces must be integrated and physical well-being, such as wellness spaces for recreational activities.
Space must be provided for exhibits, celebrate the cultural diversity and Spaces and resources for local organizations, community advocacy must be available
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Spaces must be fully accessible, with furniture, and quiet zones for neurodiverse
spaces must be provided where interact socially, and build community demographics.
integrated that encourage mental wellness programs, quiet zones, and exhibits, events, and programming that and history of the community. organizations, civic forums, and available for groups to meet and host with inclusive signage, adaptable neurodiverse individuals.
Adjacency Adjacent to lobby and public spaces.
Library public space ~ 15,000 total
Near restrooms and other private areas.
Direct access to staff workroom; not accessible from the public areas.
10-15
Will be used by community members, organizations, and legislation. After hours public access may make sense.
Community meeting space ~ 5,000-10,000
5,000-10,000 total
Will be used by community members, organizations, and legislation. After hours public access may make sense.
May have hours outside of the library. After hours public access may make sense, close proximity to lobby or separate entrance. 1
25,000 total
Will be used by community members, organizations, and small businesses. After hours public access may make sense.
Community partner space ~ 8,000-10,000
To be determined.
8,000-10,000 total
Diagrams
Core Programmatic Functions
Flow of Circulation Area
Flow of Staff Area
LOCAL BUILDING CODE
Lower Salford Township administers and enforces the State Uniform Construction Code (U.C.C.), which references the 2018 I.C.C. set of codes and includes the 2018 International Building Codes.
OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION
Assembly Group A-2: Restaurant/Cafe
Assembly Group A-3: Library
Code Requirements
Walkways
Entry/Exit Doorways
Reaching Books on Shelves Approach to Tables, Computers, or Other Seating
Appendices
Questions
Interview with Ashley Taliaferro, Interior Designer at Quinn Evans
Could you share your guiding philosophy when designing libraries and community centers?
What are some of the most transformative design features you’ve implemented that have enhanced community engagement?
What program elements do you see as essential in supporting a library’s role in fostering strong, vibrant communities?
How can libraries adapt their spaces and services to better support varied learning styles and social needs?
What are some effective ways to integrate technology into library spaces without overshadowing traditional resources?
What trends in technology for libraries have you found to be most impactful for patrons and staff?
What role does a library’s design play in promoting social cohesion and community pride?
Do you have examples of programming spaces that specifically support cultural or intergenerational connections?
Based on your experience, what programming elements or spaces are often overlooked but have a big impact?
How do you think libraries will continue to evolve as community centers in the next decade?
Is there any additional advice you would give someone working on a project focused on enhancing community support through library and community center design?
Do you have any data on community center or library design about user needs that you could share? (Pre/post occupancy surveys, research, etc.)
Interview Questions
Interview with Tracey Reed, Directory of The Indian Valley Public Library
Strengths:
• What does the library do very well now?
• What are your greatest strengths? Opportunities:
• Where are there opportunities for the library to make a difference, contribute, or innovate? What are your best opportunities? Aspirations:
• What are your hopes and dreams for the future of the library?
• What do you want the library to be known for? Results:
• What do you most want to accomplish?
• What will success look like?
What would you say is the core mission of the library?
How do you see the library’s role evolving over the next 5 to 10 years?
What do you believe are the most significant needs or gaps the library could address within the community?
Can you describe the primary demographics of the patrons who currently use the library? Are there any underserved groups?
What types of programs do you think residents would most benefit from in the coming years?
What programs or partnerships have been most successful in reaching and engaging the community?
Are there other organizations or local groups you would like to partner with to expand the library’s impact?
What are some of the limitations or challenges of the current library space?
If you could envision the library’s future without any limitations, what would it look like?
ADVFN. (2012). Harleysville Insurance is now part of the Nationwide family. Retrieved from https://www.advfn.com/stock-market/NASDAQ/HGIC/stocknews/52227167/harleysville-insurance-is-now-part-of-the-nationwi
American Library Association (2014). Trends. Retrieved from https://www.ala.org/ future/trends
AreaVibes. Harleysville, PA demographics . Retrieved from https://www. areavibes.com/harleysville-pa/demographics/
ArchDaily. (2015). New Halifax Central Library / Schmidt Hammer Lassen . Retrieved from https://www.archdaily.com/577039/new-halifax-centrallibrary-schmidt-hammer-lassen
ArchDaily. (2017). Albion Library / Perkins+Will Canada . Retrieved from https:// www.archdaily.com/875091/albion-library-perkins-plus-will-canada
ArchDaily. (2021). The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library / Mecanoo + OTJ Architects . Retrieved from https://www.archdaily.com/972337/the-martinluther-king-jr-memorial-library-mecanoo-plus-otj-architects
Connecticut State Library. (2002). Library Space Planning Guide.
Data USA. Harleysville, PA . Retrieved from https://datausa.io/profile/geo/ harleysville-pa
Sullivan, Margaret (2017). Designing community: 10 essential library spaces. Retrieved from https://www.demcointeriors.com/blog/designing-community-10essential-library-spaces/
Fournier, M. D., & Ostman, S. (2020). Ask, listen, empower: Grounding your library work in community engagement.
Hammock, A., Pandolfelli, G., Samuel, T., Fils-Aimé, P., Grande, M., D’Ambrosion, M., Murphy, M., Kaur, S., Logan, J., Feuerstein-Simon, R., Cannuscio, C., & Benz Scott, L. (2023). Understanding how suburban public librarians respond to the health and social needs of communities. Library & Information Science Research , 45(1), 101217. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.LISR.2022.101217
Harleysville Group Inc. Company history . Retrieved from https://www.companyhistories.com/Harleysville-Group-Inc-Company-History.html
Institute of Museum and Library Services. Search & compare tool . Retrieved from https://www.imls.gov/search-compare
IVPL. Indian Valley Public Library . Retrieved from https://www.ivpl.org/
Lower Salford Township. Retrieved from https://www.lowersalfordtownship.org/
Lushington, N., Wolfgang Rudorf, Liliane Wong, Blake, N., & Al, E. (2016). Libraries: A Design Manual . Birkhäuser.
Montgomery County GIS. Montgomery County maps and web app. Retrieved from https://gis.montcopa.org/portal/apps/webappviewer/index. html?id=868674358c3e49d6830710132a2def5d
Nationwide Newsroom. (2020). Nationwide announces permanent shift in workplace work-from-home strategy. Retrieved from https://news. nationwide.com/nationwide-announces-permanent-shift-in-workplacework-from-home-strategy/
OTJ Architects. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. Retrieved from https://otj. com/projects/martin-luther-king-jr-memorial-library/
Perkins&Will. Albion Library . Retrieved from https://perkinswill.com/project/ albion-library/
Perkins&Will. Halifax Central Library, Canada . Retrieved from https://perkinswill. com/project/halifax-central-library-canada/
TEDx Talks. (2016). The library is not a place, it’s a concept. | Bill Ptacek | TEDxCalgary. In YouTube . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ES0zGUvZj5s
World Population Review. Harleysville, Pennsylvania . Retrieved from https:// worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/pennsylvania/harleysville
Community Library
Anna Goodman
ITDS 4224 Design Research for Interiors, Fall 2024