Re-envisioning Branch Libraries
Session One: Libraries and Community Development
December 4th, 2014
Design Presentation
Marble Fairbanks with James Lima Planning + Development, Leah Meisterlin, and Special Project Office
Presentation by Karen Fairbanks, Leah Meisterlin, and James Lima
In order to encourage policymakers, business leaders, and librarians to think strategically about how to support and improve library services in New York, The Architectural League is collaborating with the Center for an Urban Future on Re-envisioning Branch Libraries, a design study that articulates new architectural, financial, and programmatic possibilities for New York City’s branch libraries.
In a public design showcase and policy symposium on December 4th, 2014, the five participating design teams presented their strategies for re-envisioning New York City’s branch libraries. The presentations addressed three key themes: integrating libraries into New York City’s housing and community development goals; reconfiguring libraries to meet community needs; and developing new ideas for expanding the impact of branch libraries. Panel sessions comprised of policymakers, librarians, researchers, and community advocates responded to each group of presentations to discuss how to put the teams’ innovative design ideas into action and what barriers stand in the way of success. The symposium was generously sponsored by the Charles H. Revson Foundation and hosted by the Japan Society.
Learn more about this proposal at archleague.org/branchlibraries.
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