Employing Community Feedback, New Technologies, and Best Practices for Increased Viability and Relevance

Check out our latest journal article, "Employing Community Feedback, New Technologies, and Best Practices for Increased Viability and Relevance," published by the Journal of the Library Administration & Management Section (of the New York Library Association). 

My most recent interview with American Libraries. So glad to have the opportunity to spread the word on 21st century library design! Start at 18:30 for my interview. Although...the rest of the episode is really quite interesting.

Kimberly Bolan and Associates Gives Back at ALA Annual 2016

This year's Consultants Give Back event at the ALA Annual Conference will be held on Sunday, June 26 from 1 - 2:30 p.m. at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando (Room # W102A). The idea behind Consultants Give Back is simple: free consulting sessions with an expert. No sales pitches and no strings – just helpful advice.

Rob and I will are taking reservations for the 26th and are also offering sessions at other times throughout the conference. To schedule your free consulting session, please visit the sign-up page (scroll to the bottom of the page and click "next" to register). You can also contact me directly at kim@rethinkinglibraries.org.

New Hudson (NY) Area Library to Open in April 2016

After 4 years of planning and design work, we are pleased to announce that the new Hudson Area Library (HAL) will be opening on April 8, 2016. Kimberly Bolan and Associates (KBA) began work with the HAL staff and board of trustees in 2011; developing the vision and building program for the new library. KBA continued working with the library team throughout 2013-2016 providing technology consulting as well as interior design services including the selection of all furniture and related finishes.

The new 12,000 SF library will reside in the first floor of the historic Hudson Armory, owned by The Galvan Foundation. The main areas of the library will occupy what was formerly the Drill Shed. In addition, the former 1,200 SF Officers Lounge has been converted into a Community Meeting Room seating over 80. With state-of-the art technology, expanded space and services for children, teens, and adults, increased operating hours, a larger collection, an accessible home for its historical collection, and a flexible and open floor plan, the new library will become the community’s gathering place. The Community Room will be the stage for world renowned and local authors, artists, performers and musicians to engage diverse communities in Hudson.

Here are a few installation photos. Stay tuned for after photos in April 2016.

Transforming Library Space

Rob and I will be conducting a webinar titled Transforming Library Space: Rethinking how library spaces can be configured to enhance and expand community engagement on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm ET. Anyone can register. If you can't attend on the date, you still get the audio recording and handouts so you can share with a greater audience at your convenience. We hope you'll participate. South Central Regional Library Council has put a lot of effort into coordinating this. 

Here's the description:

While future-facing libraries are pushing boundaries, the public still perceives libraries as being primarily about books. As libraries of all types expand their focus, physical spaces are being transformed in ways we couldn’t have imagined even 10 years ago. Rethink how your library’s space might be configured to better engage your existing users as well as draw in new users. Learn how some key budget-friendly alterations to existing library space can refresh users’ perceptions and keep them coming back.

To register go to https://scrlc.org/events/view/5682

Kimberly Bolan and Associates and Year in Architecture 2015

Overview of the Tiverton (RI) Public Library

Very excited to see this year's Year in Architecture published by Library Journal. KBA was fortunate to have a 2015 filled with many fun and inspirational facility projects. Thanks to all our fabulous clients who partnered with us to produce some pretty wonderful things. Tiverton (RI) Public Library with it's brand new 21st century facility, the revamp of the Orion (MI) Public Library's Family Place Library, Monroe County (IN) Public Library's new teen area and digital media center (for all ages), a new 20-something collaboration space at the Sachem (NY) Public Library, Plainfield-Guilford Township (IN) Public Library's 7,000 SF renovated interactive children's area, and South Hill (VA) - R.T. Arnold Public Library's new teen room. Congratulations to you all!

Orion Township Public Library Renovation - Phase 1

I just received some photos from our client and friend Karen Knox, Director of the Orion Township (MI) Public Library. Kimberly Bolan and Associates has been partnering with Karen and her team over the past few years on both strategic planning and facilities planning.

Karen's compiled images showing the results of Phases 1 and 2 of their 3-phase space redesign project (on a budget). Phase 1 included a remodel of their lobby and implementation of a new service model (smaller service point, self-serve check-out and holds, and more).  Phase 2 involved a complete redesign of their children's area with collections, spaces, and interactive elements for ages 0 - 12.

Phase 3 begins this month with the revamping of the rest of the library. Stay tuned for more!