Kim Bolan, MLS, Bolsters Ratio's National Library Design Expertise

Rob and I are excited to announce that Jessica Edwards and I have joined Ratio Architects where we will continue to focus on planning and designing libraries. This new partnership provides us with additional support from an award-winning architectural firm and libraries studio, while continuing our focus on providing the highest level of service, commitment, and dedication to our clients.

In addition, Rob will be continue strategic planning and technology consulting under Rethinking Libraries. He is also available for facility assessments and space programming for smaller projects. 

Rob and I are very grateful for fifteen wonderful years with Kimberly Bolan and Associates and for the integral role our clients have played in KBA's success. We wouldn’t have this opportunity without them.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions. Rob can be reached at rob@rethinkinglibraries.org and I can be reached at both kim@rethinkinglibraries.org and kbolan@ratiodesign.com. Jessica's new email is jedwards@ratiodesign.com.

For more information, read Kim Bolan, MLS, Bolsters Ratio's National Library Design Expertise and visit Ratio at https://www.ratiodesign.com. Ratio's headquarters is in Indianapolis, but they also  have locations in Champaign (IL), Raleigh (NC), and Chicago (IL).

Latest KBA Strategic Planning Client

We are pleased to welcome the Huntingburg Public Library (IN) as our latest strategic planning client.

Read the article:

Library to look at staffing in comprehensive plan

Teaching Kitchen

Several of you have inquired with KBA about acquiring a "teaching kitchen" for your library for indoor and outdoor programming use. We have found a good option to fit many of your needs. This would be an excellent Friends of the Library purchase or a good donor option for many. 

The Charlie Cart is currently located in 11 public libraries across the U.S. The company ships twice a year in the spring and fall. They are taking orders now for their Fall 2018 shipment, which they expect to ship in September / October 2018. The total cost is $10,000 and includes the mobile kitchen, tools/equipment, appliances, curriculum and training, as well as a flat shipping and handling rate. 

Union County Library's Renovated Monroe Library "Wows" Community

Kimberly Bolan and Associate's latest renovation project is the Monroe Library, one of the branches of the Union County Public Library in North Carolina.  KBA began working with the library in 2016. KBA's role included community engagement, space planning, and all furniture selection and interior design. 

The new space opened earlier this month. One of the most noticeable changes happens as soon as you enter the building. The large circulation desk is gone and replaced by numerous small desks, giving staff more access to patrons and making it easier to walk around. “It’s so exciting because the building seems new and fresh and the patrons seem really excited about it,” Assistant Director Lindsey Shuford said. The reaction has been “pretty overwhelmingly positive,” Shuford said. “They’re really wowed by the difference."

Entrance into the renovated Monroe Branch of the Union Co. Public Library (NC)

Other changes include a relocated, enlarged, and zoned children’s area with spaces for the very young as well as older children. A new integrated storytime area is now on the floor instead of in a room, allowing more visibility.  A new computer area includes places for individual computing as well as collaborative use. Everything has lockable casters, allowing for mobility and flexibility to meet any group’s needs. 

A second phase for renovations is tentatively planned for next fall. It will include adding new lounge seating, small group study areas, a cafe, and a science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) room featuring virtual reality and other offerings.

Read more here.

Reading, relaxing at library's remodeled children's department

Kimberly Bolan and Associates (KBA) is excited to announce the opening of the newly remodeled children's space at the Anderson (IN) Public Library (APL). KBA has been working with APL's library teem for over a year to plan, design, and realize this colorful, nature-themed, highly engaging area for ages 0 - 12.

Photo: John B. Cleary, The Herald Bulletin

New features include an interactive early literacy area for ages 7 and under, read-to-me seating for parents and children, flip-through picture book shelving, a lounge area for older children, a pop-up programming space for ages 8 -12, study and tutoring areas, Mamava station for nursing mothers.

a revamped modular service point, and a

Read more about the space here.

Library board requests new Lincolnton, East Lincoln libraries

Earlier this year, Kimberly Bolan and Associates completed an in-depth facility study for the Lincoln County Public Library System in North Carolina.  

“Our board was tasked to present our priorities from the Kimberly Bolan and Associates study in February,” library board chair Dr. Becky Reavis said. “You may recall that they did community groups, focus groups and surveys, and they had a very good response rate. Overall, there were very strong sentiments from the residents of Lincoln County that the overall library capabilities and resources were lacking in several different areas.”

In April 2017, the commissioners voted unanimously to move forward with the construction of a new West Lincoln library facility on 35 acres of donated land near West Lincoln High School. The original plan was to build a 10,000 square-foot library to replace the current 2,500 square-foot facility located in a shopping center off of Highway 27 in Vale. That plan has since evolved, expanding the future library to 12,000 square feet, but the library board is requesting a minimum of 14,000 square feet to accommodate space for patrons of all ages and interests.

Steele Memorial Library Project - New Teen Space

The Kimberly Bolan and Associates' team is excited to be working with the Chemung County Library District on the planning and design of their new teen space at the Steele Memorial Library in Elmira, NY. 

We've spent the last few months working with Ron, Doris Jean, and local teenagers to create a plan and design that is sure to be a home away from home for Elmira teens.

We can't wait for it to come to fruition!