Green Libraries

The projects featured in this section each exhibit interesting approaches to sustainability.

The projects featured in this section each exhibit interesting approaches to sustainability.

Poudre River Public Library District’s Council Tree Library in Fort Collins, Colorado is certified LEED Platinum by the Green Building Council. Elements contributing to the rating include a minimum of 50% Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood products; recycled materials in decorative plastic panels, chairs, and ceiling grids; low-emitting paints, adhesives, carpets, and coatings; and efficient lighting fixtures and mechanical systems.

The projects featured in this section each exhibit interesting approaches to sustainability.

Los Angeles Public Library anticipates that its new Silver Lake branch will achieve LEED Gold certification. The building incorporates photovoltaic cells in the skylight system and solar panels cover most of the concealed roof areas; rapid-growing bamboo was used for custom casework and flooring; and materials and systems were selected to reduce fluorocarbon and toxic vapor emissions.

The projects featured in this section each exhibit interesting approaches to sustainability.

The projects featured in this section each exhibit interesting approaches to sustainability.

The projects featured in this section each exhibit interesting approaches to sustainability.

A balcony, designed as a quiet study area, surrounds the skylight in the Mollie Dodd Anderson Library at the George School in Newtown, Pennsylvania. Designed to be consistent with the simple Quaker aesthetic of its community, the library also anticipates earning LEED Gold certification, with features that include a vegetative roof, geothermal heating and cooling, and rain gardens.

The projects featured in this section each exhibit interesting approaches to sustainability.

The Rakow branch of the Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin, Illinois, achieved a LEED Gold certification, with a geoexchange-based HVAC system, low-flow water use fixtures, and solar controls to reduce energy consumption of the lighting and mechanical systems.

Architect: Engberg Anderson, Inc.

Photo: Daniel Kabara Photography

The projects featured in this section each exhibit interesting approaches to sustainability.

Green elements at Fargo (N.D.) Public Library’s Main Library include extensive daylighting with photo-sensors that automatically turn off lights when sufficient daylight levels are reached inside the building. Granite salvaged from the original Main Library makes up the treads of the main stair, and selected pieces of casework are made from a material made of sunflower hulls.

The projects featured in this section each exhibit interesting approaches to sustainability.

Darien (Conn.) Library is certified LEED Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council. Notable green features include construction from heavy materials that provide high thermal mass; low-maintenance exterior materials including brick, slate, aluminum-clad windows, and copper flashings and gutters; extensive daylighting in occupied spaces; an efficient HVAC system; and biofiltration of stormwater.

The projects featured in this section each exhibit interesting approaches to sustainability.

Targeting LEED Silver certification, the addition to Cambridge Public Library features a double-skin glass curtainwall with three feet of space between glass surfaces that insulates against heat gain or loss, reduces glare, and improves ventilation.

Architect: William Rawn Associates, Architects, Inc./Ann Beha Architects