In a rare chance to brainstorm across disciplines, communities, and generations, the Louisville Free Public Library has embarked upon a library planning process that offers an instructive example about planning and advocating for 21st century libraries and library services.  The Louisville planning process combines high visibility planning with community engagement to develop support for a new vision of libraries in the Louisville metropolitan area.  

Master Facilities Plan

The Louisville Free Public Library

In 2006, Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson secured funds and announced sites for three new regional libraries. This announcement was the culmination of the first phase of community planning that started several years earlier with development of a Master Facilities Plan. The plan was drawn up after significant dialogue with Louisville residents, consisting of focus groups, interviews and listening forums. The plan charts significant expansion of library service, including a major overhaul of existing library facilities and the creation of new libraries in the growing suburban crescent. 

It calls for libraries that  “offer cutting edge state of the art technology, housed in architecturally significant buildings with plenty of rooms for computers and, of course, books.” It recommends a total of 19 library projects including three new 40,000 square foot Regional Libraries, new community libraries in two other communities, and renovations, replacements or expansions in the remainder of libraries in the system. In addition, the plan offers  scenarios for major renovation of the Main Library and its historic South Building.

Design Charrette with MIT Media Lab

The Louisville Design Charrette offered residents a chance to envision ideal libraries, programs and services.

In July 2006, the Louisville Free Public Library hosted a Design Charrette that engaged a national team of designers and library leaders in considering approaches to designs for the three proposed Regional Libraries. The workshop sought to use Louisville’s situation as a vehicle for generating ideas for public libraries of the 21st century. 

The charrette included design experts from MIT’s Media and Design Labs, leading directors of libraries and library systems, as well as specialists in information technologies and education. Taking advantage of a real-world example, the group focused on formulating guidelines and models for the creation of the three new Regional libraries in greater Louisville. One outcome of this process was the creation of ten initial design “principles” for guiding new construction which will be and applied to the new Louisville branch construction and other local settings. The ten design “principles” include two primary categories: new societal and community roles for libraries, and new operational functions for libraries.

Following the workshop, LFPL hosted a “community planning charrette”, which brought together Louisville non-profit organizations, local government agencies and educational agencies to hear the results of the workshop and discuss the design principles that emerged. Dr. William Mitchell, then Director of the MIT Media Lab, presented the ten initial design “principles”  that were offered as a framework for guiding new library construction in Louisville and other local settings. 

Community Engagement

Following the Design Charrette, the library took the dialogue about future libraries to their community.  Through consultations with leaders of community organizations and constituencies they developed a plan for community forums that would reach many stakeholders. 

Feedback from public forums in Louisville KY, part of a project to design future libraries.

They then conducted public forums at various locations throughout the metropolitan area where they asked Louisvillians what they want in their libraries. According to the Library’s Community Engagement specialists, “the answer is loud and clear: Library users want more of everything… more books for all ages… more public visiting hours… more cultural programs.” 

Affirming findings from recent national opinion surveys, including ALC’s recent study Long Overdue: Public and Leadership Attitudes Towards Libraries, Louisville community members want traditional library services while they also support the library mission as a center for learning.

Louisville library users reported wanting:

• Cutting-edge technology
• Lots of programs
• Partnerships between the library and many community organizations

With respect to design, community forum participants are interested in:

• Energy conservation and sustainable design
• Plenty of natural light
• Comfortable seating
• Landscaping
• Space designated for quiet study
• Teen centers and spaces for imaginative activities
• Space for community cultural events
• Community meeting rooms

Online Survey

The next phase in the Louisville Free Public Library’s effort to seek residents’ input on library planning is to conduct an online survey, to be conducted early in 2007. Along with the input from the community forums, survey responses will “help shape libraries that meet the needs of today while preparing for the needs of library patrons in the future.” The survey will provide another opportunity for residents and stakeholders to tell planners what they want the library to look like and what they would like it to offer in terms of equipment, spaces and services.

Looking Ahead

The discussion about Louisville’s future libraries will continue as community members, planners, and advocates work together to define a vision compelling enough to attract the support required for overhauling the entire system. With strong momentum underway, strong community input and creative approaches to community engagement, the support required should follow.  
 

The Louisville Design Project is a joint project of Americans for Libraries Council,
the Louisville Free Public Library, and the MIT Design Lab.

<Back to Action Strategy 3: Library Planning

Next Strategy>