Shaker
Library
Architects Unveil Plans
for Main Library Renovation
After the community voiced its
support for the renovation of its
libraries, the Library board and staff
began to look at renovation options
for Main Library, with a particular
focus on the community to enhance
its Library experience.
They also wanted to maximize space
so the Library could be used for many
different purposes by many people at
different times, or even at the same time.
The board then selected an architectural
firm, Bialosky Cleveland, and conducted
a community survey, held community
open houses, sought teen feedback, and
solicited in-person responses to the
Library’s spaces. They targeted outreach
to Middle School students and sought
operational insight from Library staff.
Last April at a special board meeting,
Bialosky Cleveland architects presented
their design and layout for the Main
24 SUMMER 2020 | WWW.SHAKER.LIFE
Library. In creating the design, they drew inspiration from the Library, the community, and
the thoughtful urban planning that has contributed to the success of the City of Shaker
Heights for over 100 years.
Their design is organized around the idea of a central “Town Square” in
the existing multi-level atrium space, which is then divided into “districts” and
“neighborhoods” housing the Library’s collections and departments, and positioned to
allow opportunities for collaboration among them. These adjacent spaces, plus a clear
circulation design and visible sightlines, will promote intuitive way-finding and positive
interactions for Library visitors.
As the design of the “neighborhoods” develops, it will afford opportunities for the
different areas and collections within the Library to establish a unique character that
builds upon the architects’ goal of supporting modern library services within the building’s
historic shell.
A stairway connecting both public floors is the centerpiece of the project. Mobile
shelving will allow the Library to focus on the collections, plus have the flexibility for
opening up the area for large-scale events.
Technology areas will be clustered together in a prominent location on the first floor
to provide Library visitors with easy access to public computers. A distinct but accessible
children’s area includes interactive learning areas and playful nooks for reading while
maintaining ample shelving for a robust collection.
Repairs to the building include roof work. This
includes replacing the membrane and insulation, the
cracked slate tiles, and the damaged copper gutters and
downspouts, and wet-sealing the skylights. The cupola
will be repainted and the copper finial reset. Work will
be done to replace cracked and spalled brick and stone,
to repoint areas of deteriorated mortar, and to repaint
all painted stone. Windows will be mechanically
fastened shut to decrease air and water infiltration
and the perimeter seals will be replaced. Finally, the
corroded steel lintels will be repaired and the head and
sill flashing will be replaced.
In addition to the repairs and the reimagined
interior, strategic updates to the existing entryway
and patio will create a more accessible, inviting
gateway to the Library, with space for visitors to linger.
The staff and the Library board, including Mike Bertsch, Tom Cicarella, Melissa
Hirsch, Brian Gleisser, Dori Katz, Troy Meinhard, and Timeka Rashid listened to the
community and are excited to begin work to make the Library a more welcoming place for
the community.
Work is scheduled to begin this summer and will be completed in two phases with an
expected renovation completion date of late 2021.
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