Remodeling and Expanding Carnegie-Era Library Buildings

One of the most satisfying undertakings in library building design can be the expansion and remodeling of historic public libraries from the early twentieth century. However, although the logic of preservation and conservation leads to strong public interest in the reuse of existing structures, the costs can be extremely high and the results can be functionally disappointing. Among the major problems frequently faced are modern building codes, load-bearing walls, the difficulty of installing modern HVAC systems, flimsy original construction materials, locations that no longer meet community needs, poor electrical wiring, elderly windows, historic brickwork that is difficult to match, inadequate sites, total inaccessibility for users with disabilities, bad modern lighting, and basements with low ceilings. However, many of these problems can be solved—or at least dealt with—with careful programming and planning, and expansion projects can result in handsome libraries that can serve for a second century.