Utah State Library  

History: This new branch library was built to serve the high-demand needs of the northwest portion of Davis County that includes Syracuse, West Point and portions of Clinton. The branch focuses on high-demand materials such as children's books, best sellers, books-on-tapes, videocassettes, etc. The branch was designed to expand to approximately double its current size. Opening day collection stood at 35,000 and is expected to grow to approximately 65,000 items within 3-5 years. The branch was also designed and built for energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. Information is being submitted to have it certified under the LEEDS program, which may become the standard for State construction projects in the future.

A larger vaulted area runs down the middle of the building and is highlighted at the south end by a round stained glass window one of eight in the building. The two stained glass designs used for the eight windows are reflected as a motif throughout the building, including on banners that line the large central vault and label the types of materials that can be found on each side of the library. The motif is also repeated on the shelf markers and on signage that sits on top of many of the shelving ranging. The character of the building is heavily defined by extensive woodwork. The overall look is in the arts-and-craft/mission style. A major feature of the children's room is a tower that contains three of the stained glass windows and furniture in the shape of books. The children's area also contains three murals two of them 8' or longer that show natural areas Antelope Island and the migratory bird refuge that are in the area. These were designed with the assistance of the Children's Tree house Museum of Ogden and built by Signature Exhibits. The building also includes a conference room and a quiet study room.

Community impressions: Very favorable perhaps even stunned. The public is very pleased with the opening collection and surprised at how spacious the building seems to be. The public is also extremely pleased with the visual appearance of the building, especially the woodwork, the banners and murals, and the stained glass. The exterior of the building also fits well into the architectural of the nearby city buildings while managing to stand out from it, which makes it appealing to both the public and city officials.

Location:     New Construction: Syracuse       Opened August 16, 2003

Service population: 20,000
Holdings: 35,000
Circulation: 14,000 the first two weeks

Library Director:
Pete J. Giacoma,
peteg@co.davis.ut.us

Architect: CRS Architects
Contractor: Ascent Construction

Square footage:
8,100 sq ft

Unique features:
1. The eight stained glass windows, most of which are backlit so they can be seen at night. The repetition of the window motif throughout the building creates a strong visual dynamic that complements other design elements of the building. 2. The extensive amount of woodwork that conveys the sense of a traditional library. 3. The murals of the natural areas in the area.

Building/Construction challenges:
Most of the challenges centered on working with a comparatively small space. It was very challenging to fit all the necessary elements within the space and still provide a space that has an open, inviting feel and is visually engaging. The floor plan was, therefore, somewhat difficult to work out in terms of arrangement and allocation of space to each use. However, in compensation the challenge of the visual motifs and themes were a pleasure to work through.

Recommendations to others:
Devote what money and design effort you can to appearance. The public appreciates a visually engaging space. Try to select a visual motif you can echo throughout the building to tie various elements together and create a cohesive and well thought out appearance.