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Downtown Library Project Update

by aadl-news

On Monday evening, September 15, 2008, after months of work that included three public information sessions, focus groups with the public and the staff and several public meetings, the Library Board made the important decision to replace the current Downtown Library with a new building in the same location at South Fifth Avenue and William Street. The new building will be 47% larger at 160,000 square feet and four stories. Current services will be enhanced and spaces for youth, teens, exhibits, meetings, study, and reading will be larger. The building will include a 400 seat auditorium; a Reading Room that will be designated as a quiet area for reading and study; a children's area three times larger than the current area; expanded space for collections including audiovisual formats; adaptive technology labs for adults and children as part of our new mission to serve the blind and physically disabled; and the flexibility in the future to accommodate new formats and services without expensive remodeling. We will continue our commitment to build responsibly using sustainable technologies and the new downtown library will be barrier free and accessible to everyone.

In the current building much of the essential infrastructure, including electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, is original to the 1958 building and it is failing. Credit should be given to the effort that was made over the 50 year life cycle of the Downtown Library to those who maintained and serviced the building. Things wear out, and when they do, they need to be replaced. The scope of this project enables the use of modern, efficient building systems that will result in a more sustainable library.

The 1990 addition was completed prior to the adoption of the American with Disabilities Act. Again, credit should be given to the efforts of staff and administrators over the past 17 years for their efforts in making what changes they could to the building to accommodate those in the community with disabilities. However, in our community a public building should be accessible to everyone without barriers. The library Board is committed to building such a building.

The library Board has not determined what funding mechanisms will be used to pay for the building, but it will likely be a combination of a bond, a capital millage, and fundraising. The current cost estimate for the new building is $71 million. More schematic design work is scheduled through December and the program of services and functions is still being reviewed. Library Board meeting dates, minutes, and agendas are posted at aadl.org. Please join us as we work to assure library services in a building that will serve our community to 2050 and beyond.

The Ann Arbor community is proud of its Downtown Library and the short history below will illustrate how decisions to make room for expanding collections and needed services have been made time and again with enthusiasm and generosity by the taxpayers. It is our hope that this enthusiasm and generosity will support a new Downtown Library to open in Ann Arbor in 2011.

By the 1940s, the need for a new Downtown Library to replace the Carnegie-funded structure on Huron Street and State Street had become apparent. Years of study led to the selection of the site at the corner of South Fifth Avenue and William Street for this new library, which opened it doors on October 13, 1957. By the early 1970s this building itself had become insufficient to meet the needs of a growing library system (which by then had also constructed the Loving Branch, precursor to the Malletts Creek Branch). An expansion doubling the size of the 1957 building was completed in 1974. A third addition was completed in 1991, again doubling the size of the library, in order to meet the needs of a growing collection size, rising circulation numbers, and increased programming offerings.

In 2007, the AADL hired PROVIDENCE Associates LLC to undertake a study assessing the 20-year feasibility of the Downtown Library. This study included 10 focus groups with more than 100 users of the AADL and sought to determine the needs of the library as its needs and offerings to the community continue to grow. The findings of this study led the AADL Board to issue a Request for Qualifications for Architectural and Engineering Services that eventually resulted in the selection of Luckenbach">Ziegelman Architects, PLLC of Ann Arbor. Skanska was hired as the construction firm who would undertake the project in whatever form it would eventually take.

At the same time as the development of the concept for the Downtown Library, the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority created a plan to replace the parking lot on the north side of the Library with an underground parking garage. This led the two organizations to develop a joint survey asking for feedback on both the Downtown Library and parking. The results of this survey will help guide the AADL and Lukenbach">Ziegelman Architects as plans for the Downtown Library develop.

2007 Providence Report on the Twenty-Year Feasibility of the Downtown Library
2008 AADL Downtown Branch Renovation and South Fifth Avenue Underground Parking Survey

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Malletts Creek Closed July 3

by aadl-news

Malletts Creek Branch is closed today, July 3, due to a power outage related to last evening's storm.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

Josie

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Traverwood Branch Opens Tomorrow, June 30, at 10:00 AM

by aadl-news

The Traverwood Branch will open at 10:00 AM tomorrow morning, Monday, June 30, 2008. All are welcome to join the Library Caravan beginning at the old NEB at 10:00 AM to carry the remaining books to the new library.

The Branch is located at the corner of Traverwood Drive and Huron Parkway. There is ample free parking on the street, underneath the building, and in a flat lot to the south of the building. Entry to the underground parking is off Huron Parkway. Entry to the south parking lot is from Traverwood Drive. Handicap parking is located on Huron Parkway and in the underground garage. There is stair and elevator access from the garage. Bicycle racks are located on the north near the front entry, and in the garage.

The dropboxes are located on the north side of the building and will be available tomorrow, too.

Many events are planned for this opening week and they are posted under Events at aadl.org.

See you at the Library!

Josie

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Downtown Library Project

by aadl-news

Recently, over 6,000 persons responded to a survey sponsored by the Library and the AA Downtown Development Authority on the future of the Downtown Library building and the proposed underground parking structure on the lot north of the Library.

Approximately 100 people joined us this past week at one of three opportunities to discuss the findings and to continue this important discussion on the future of library services in the Downtown.

We appreciate the support and interest of so many, and I am happy to continue to answer questions about the project. My email is parkerj@aadl.org and my phone number is 327.4263. Contact information for members of the Library Board can be found at Board.

See you at the Library!

Josie

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Northeast Branch at Plymouth Mall Closes, Sunday, June 1 at 6:00 PM

by aadl-news

The Northeast Branch at Plymouth Mall will close at 6:00 PM on Sunday, June 1. The Traverwood Branch at Traverwood and Huron Parkway will open on Monday, June 30 at 10:00 AM.

The need for library services in the northeast sector of Ann Arbor was recognized as early as 1965. Land was purchased in 1971 at the corner of Huron Parkway and Nixon Road, but was later sold for the development of the Plymouth Mall. The Library opened the storefront branch in the mall in 1981. This 2400 square foot space was increased by an additional 1200 square feet in 1985. This space served as the branch with several interior renovations and remodeling over the next 15 years.

The library in Plymouth Mall has served the community well as the library has adapted the space to its maximum capacity introducing a program space and computing.

It is a wonderful circumstance in any library system to say that a library is once again too small to serve its patrons. In answer to this dilemma the AADL has built a 16,000 square foot library branch .5 mile to the west. The branch includes 90 reader seats, children's spaces, a quiet reading room, study rooms, computer lab, expanded collections, and 90 parking spaces.

Those serving in 1965 as library officials understood that this branch would be needed someday to serve a growing community and they purchased property in the early 1970's to make it possible. We salute them for their foresight and for their willingness to assure public library services for this area of our community. While the location is different, and decades have passed, the day has finally come.

We invite you to join us on Monday, June 30, at the Northeast Branch at 10:00 AM to mark the transition to the new library building. Children are invited to participate in a "Library Caravan" to move picture books in strollers, wagons, and in book bags to the new building! All patrons, all ages are welcome to walk along.

Josie

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Willkommen

by aadl-news

The AADL is pleased to host Mayor Boris Palmer this evening, Tuesday, at the Downtown Library. Mayor Palmer, leading a delegation of 29 citizens from our sister city Tubingen, Germany will speak on environmental issues. During his first year in office, Mayor Palmer started an unprecedented climate protection campaign at the local level. Hear his ideas when he discusses climate change and the city.

We also welcome the Jazz Band and High School Brass Bands of Tubingen. They will play at 7:00 PM prior to Mayor Palmer's lecture. They are fantastic!

The sister city relationship with Tubingen began in 1965. A delegation from Ann Arbor attended the Tubingen City Fest in 2005 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the partnership. On Sunday evening the AADL hosted a welcome reception for the delegation and their host families at Malletts Creek Branch, our AIA award-winning environmentally sustainable building.

In addition to students, government officials, and educators, this year's visit also brought artists and their work to Ann Arbor. Please visit the WSG Gallery on Main Street to view their work.

Please join us in welcoming our German guests and friends to Ann Arbor!

Josie

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AADL and DDA Survey on Downtown Library and Parking Structure

by aadl-news

One year ago, the Library conducted focus groups with over 100 persons in our district to discuss the future of the Downtown Library. We learned a great deal about what people love about the Downtown library and what they feel can be improved. This year, the Library has hired Luckenbach|Ziegleman Architects and Skanska to work with us to develop two programs: one for a renovated and expanded Library and the other for a new Downtown Library, both to be located at Fifth and William. At the same time, the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority is moving forward with a site plan to build a large underground parking structure on the "library lot". The convergence of these two activities led us to develop a joint survey asking for feedback on both the library and parking.

Please take this opportunity to contribute to the important decisions that will need to be made by the AADL, the City of Ann Arbor, and the DDA.

You do not need to be a library user, or resident of Ann Arbor to fill out the survey. All feedback is appreciated.

In addition, you are invited to attend any of the following Public Meetings to review our work and add your thoughts to the discussion.

Monday, June 2nd 7:00 – 9pm
Wednesday, June 4th 10:00 – noon
Sunday, June 8th 3:00 – 5 pm

Location: Downtown Library - 343 South Fifth Avenue, Ann Arbor

Josie

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Do You Sing, Dance, Sculpt, Write, Tell Stories? Get Counted!

by aadl-news

AADL is working with the Arts Alliance to determine how many artists and creative individuals live and work in Washtenaw County. Why? Because artists are the spark that ignites our county’s creativity -- but without knowing how many dancers, writers or photographers there are here, it’s hard to give individual artists the credibility and respect (not to mention the services) they deserve.

Artists of all types – visual, literary and performing, of any age and educational background – are encouraged to participate. The census is entirely confidential and includes only 10 questions.

http://www.artscount.org

Josie

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See You At The Movies!

by aadl-news

The Ann Arbor District Library is co-presenting a program for all ages at the 46th Ann Arbor Film Festival at the Michigan Theater on Saturday, March 29 at 3 pm. Present your AADL library card at the box office prior to the screening and get $2 off the regular ticket price of $8. This is an offer that is available to the general public for the Saturday screening only.

See you at the movies!

Josie

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Architect Selected for Downtown Library Project

by aadl-news

The AADL is pleased to announce that the Library Board at a Special Meeting on Tuesday, February 5, selected Luckenbach|Ziegelman Architects, PLLC for the Downtown Library project. This firm was chosen from a field of 15 firms who responded to a Request for Qualifications, 9 of which made public presentations to the Library Board last week.

Carl Luckenbach, FAIA and Robert Ziegelman, FAIA have provided full service architectural, planning, and interior design for 27 years. They have studios in Ann Arbor and Bloomfield Hills. The firm designed Malletts Creek Branch, winner of the Michigan AIA Award for Sustainability in 2005, and the Pittsfield Branch.

Luckenbach|Ziegelman will be joined by the following consultants on the Downtown project:
Douglas Kelbaugh, FAIA Ann Arbor Urban Design
Insite Design Studio, Inc. Ann Arbor Landscape Architecture
Enliven Consulting Ann Arbor Public Engagement
M.E. Engineering Consultants, Inc. Plymouth Mechanical and Electrical
Midwestern Consulting, LLC Ann Arbor Civil Engineering
Acentech, Inc. Cambridge MA Acoustics and A/V

A press release with more complete information is attached.

Josie