Just before the move into the new library building, the Vernon branch reference supervisor and I had the opportunity to speak with Patti Shales Lefkos about the current digital revolution in libraries. Patti was compiling information for an upcoming article in Okanagan Life magazine, and was particularly interested in the role of ebooks and ereaders, and how libraries are responding to consumer demand for this new technology. The new library and its technology-related features were also discussed, and I was pleased to outline how flexibility for the future was a key component throughout the planning process.
Last spring when the Vernon branch offered one-on-one orientation sessions to ebooks and ereaders, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Patti signed up for one of these sessions, and her experience is described in the article. As an aside, we're planning to offer these sessions again later this year.
You can read this entire article, complete with photos, in the June issue of Okanagan Life. The text of the article only is available by clicking on the link below.
http://okanaganlife.com/2012/06/libraries-embrace-the-digital-revolution/
Friday, 20 July 2012
Monday, 16 July 2012
Ten-weeks update
It's been 10 weeks since we opened our doors to the greater Vernon community, and on one hand, that day seems like yesterday - on the other, when I see how well our users have settled in, it seems like we've been here for years!
Library regulars have found their favorite spots to read, study or work. Some people like to enjoy a view, others prefer a solitary study carrel, with the absence of distraction. The great thing is that everyone has a choice!
At this point, the temperature in the library is comfortable for the most part (although the air conditioning is great, we LOVE the two-storey automatic blind to shield the western sun in the afternoon; we especially love the automatic part!), but there are still some areas in the building that are not complete yet - signage and lighting in particular. All in good time....
Summer visitors are checking out the new building, residents are stocking up on reading materials to take to the beach or campground, and the annual Summer Reading Club for children in full swing now. Your library is a busy place but we've got lots of room, so if you're looking for a (literally) cool place to spend some time this summer, our doors are wide open. The Vernon branch's open hours are Mon-Fri-Sat 10 - 5:30; Tues-Wed-Thurs 10 - 9. See you soon!
Library regulars have found their favorite spots to read, study or work. Some people like to enjoy a view, others prefer a solitary study carrel, with the absence of distraction. The great thing is that everyone has a choice!
At this point, the temperature in the library is comfortable for the most part (although the air conditioning is great, we LOVE the two-storey automatic blind to shield the western sun in the afternoon; we especially love the automatic part!), but there are still some areas in the building that are not complete yet - signage and lighting in particular. All in good time....
Summer visitors are checking out the new building, residents are stocking up on reading materials to take to the beach or campground, and the annual Summer Reading Club for children in full swing now. Your library is a busy place but we've got lots of room, so if you're looking for a (literally) cool place to spend some time this summer, our doors are wide open. The Vernon branch's open hours are Mon-Fri-Sat 10 - 5:30; Tues-Wed-Thurs 10 - 9. See you soon!
Friday, 25 May 2012
Opening day and finishing touches
Opening day for the library on May 5th saw nearly 2000 people come through the front doors, and the opportunity for picture-taking was almost impossible. I did, however, have a moment to welcome former Vernon branch head librarian Wendy Stevens, and thank her for all her hard work in previous years in getting this new branch built. Here's a quick shot of the two of us on opening day:
We're still dealing with many issues during this settling in process, but, like a new home, it's the finishing touches that make a space feel truly welcoming. The little garden outside the second floor south windows has been planted this week, and will provide a restful view during all seasons:
The Vernon Friends of the Library are supplying the indoor plants for the library, and the first of those arrived today. The plants have been carefully selected for durability, and have been placed according to their light needs. Here's just one example - this sunny corner instantly becomes even more appealing!
Artwork from the Vernon Art Gallery's permanent collection is coming soon to make your library even more lovely. Stay tuned!
We're still dealing with many issues during this settling in process, but, like a new home, it's the finishing touches that make a space feel truly welcoming. The little garden outside the second floor south windows has been planted this week, and will provide a restful view during all seasons:
The Vernon Friends of the Library are supplying the indoor plants for the library, and the first of those arrived today. The plants have been carefully selected for durability, and have been placed according to their light needs. Here's just one example - this sunny corner instantly becomes even more appealing!
Artwork from the Vernon Art Gallery's permanent collection is coming soon to make your library even more lovely. Stay tuned!
Thursday, 17 May 2012
We're in!
At the end of a long and winding road, the new library for the Greater Vernon community is finally open! The feedback the staff is receiving is overwhelmingly positive, and while there are a few things that are still being completed (HVAC, lighting, signage are some examples), we're feeling more settled every day. If you haven't had a chance to drop by your beautiful new library, here are a few photos to provide a glimpse of the interior:
New & Popular area (movies, Quick Reads, some magazines, new books)
Reading area for families in the children's department
Popular chairs in the teen area, just under the main stairs
Some of the public computer stations on the second floor
The magazine and newspaper reading area
Some of the 140 new magazine and newspaper titles - something for everyone!
A view across the opening toward the paperback spinners
A preview of the new branch appeared on the front page of The Morning Star newspaper on May 4th. If you happened to miss it, you can read the edition online at http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/ and clicking on the top banner (current and past eEditions), then selecting past editions for May.
Thursday, 8 March 2012
It fits!
When planning this new library, we of course measured carefully to make sure shelving and furniture fit, but the most important measurement was the loading bay where the ORL van will drop off hundreds of items from other branches nearly every day. Today was the test...as you can see below, we measured correctly - whew!
Monday, 27 February 2012
Finishes and fireplaces
The external finishing of the new branch continues at a brisk pace! Every time I drive by, I can see more cladding and masonry completed. In January, many people expressed to me their concerns that the building was not going to be finished on time by spring (despite my reassurances), but as the outside looks more and more finished, I'm now hearing excitement from nearly everyone I meet!
Here are a few recent photos taken from inside the building:
Here are a few recent photos taken from inside the building:
The fireplace in the children's department
The fireplace in the New & Popular area, just inside the front door. The two fireplaces are almost back-to-back, but function independently.
The second floor, looking to the southeast. Imagine shelving, seating, carpeting and suspended lighting in place in just over two months!
Monday, 20 February 2012
Mark your calendars!
It's official...the grand opening day for the new Vernon branch is Saturday, May 5th! We're planning a ribbon cutting, refreshments, entertainment, and lots of fun for the Greater Vernon community, who have waited SO long for this day. More information will come, as plans are firmed up.
Many of you will have seen the front-page article in the Feb. 19 edition of the Morning Star, announcing the opening date. To clarify a comment by ORL's director about the lack of growth of collections in the new branch, our customers will indeed see an increase in some collections…magazines and newspapers for example. However, because the branch is part of a regional system with a floating collection, added titles in many other collections would be requested (through the online catalogue) by customers in other branches before even reaching Vernon's shelves!
This building is designed to accommodate both immediate and gradual growth of collections, and will feature much more space for our customers to not only browse and check out materials, but also to gather, read, work, access the Internet, or just sit and contemplate the view!
Speaking of views, I'm hoping temporary difficulties in uploading photos will be resolved soon, and I'll have much more to share!
Eleven weeks and counting...yikes!
Many of you will have seen the front-page article in the Feb. 19 edition of the Morning Star, announcing the opening date. To clarify a comment by ORL's director about the lack of growth of collections in the new branch, our customers will indeed see an increase in some collections…magazines and newspapers for example. However, because the branch is part of a regional system with a floating collection, added titles in many other collections would be requested (through the online catalogue) by customers in other branches before even reaching Vernon's shelves!
This building is designed to accommodate both immediate and gradual growth of collections, and will feature much more space for our customers to not only browse and check out materials, but also to gather, read, work, access the Internet, or just sit and contemplate the view!
Speaking of views, I'm hoping temporary difficulties in uploading photos will be resolved soon, and I'll have much more to share!
Eleven weeks and counting...yikes!
Thursday, 2 February 2012
Coming along....
I'm happy to be back on track after this lengthy absence! Look for regular posts from now on until the new library opens later this spring. Dates for closing the current branch for the big move and the grand opening of the new one are being finalized, and will be announced soon.
I was finally able to get back on the new site last week, and I can report that the interior is quickly taking shape. The walls are up, most of the windows have been installed, and the ductwork and electrical wiring are nearing completion. Not exactly pretty yet, but all part of the big picture!
The long tube that carries warm air from the outside generator into the building - a necessity during winter construction.
The windows on the east side of the multi-purpose room. Blinds will be installed for privacy and light control.
On the second floor now, looking up to the ceiling, where the underside of the roof decking is being painted a beige colour, in contrast to the un-painted silver.
The computer lab - it's hard to appreciate the size of this space, but the natural light from the windows (facing east) will be nice. Blinds will reduce glare on the computer monitor screens.
I was finally able to get back on the new site last week, and I can report that the interior is quickly taking shape. The walls are up, most of the windows have been installed, and the ductwork and electrical wiring are nearing completion. Not exactly pretty yet, but all part of the big picture!
The long tube that carries warm air from the outside generator into the building - a necessity during winter construction.
The windows on the east side of the multi-purpose room. Blinds will be installed for privacy and light control.
The computer lab - it's hard to appreciate the size of this space, but the natural light from the windows (facing east) will be nice. Blinds will reduce glare on the computer monitor screens.
The hanging wires for the suspended lighting system make quite an artistic image, I think!
In preparation for the exterior finishes, the coverings and tarps make the building look particularly colourful!
Monday, 5 December 2011
Still on track
Since my last post almost a month ago, much has been happening on the construction site, although perhaps not so noticably and dramatically as when the exterior walls and roof were going up!
The focus these last few weeks has been on mechanical and electrical work, insulation, and most recently, the installation of the glazing (windows). With the onset of colder weather, the construction crew will be very glad to have the building sealed, and some heat turned on inside!
The photos below were taken last week:
The focus these last few weeks has been on mechanical and electrical work, insulation, and most recently, the installation of the glazing (windows). With the onset of colder weather, the construction crew will be very glad to have the building sealed, and some heat turned on inside!
The photos below were taken last week:
Glazing at the main entry to the library - very bright and welcoming
The clerestory windows beneath the roof line, bringing in plenty of natural light to the second floor
The beautiful big windows in the children's area
Windows on the exterior wall of the multipurpose/meeting room - what a nice change this will be!
A view of the western side of the building, showing the glazing on the second floor. When the long orange tarp is removed, the dramatic two-storey glazing in the main stair area will be revealed!
Friday, 4 November 2011
Topping out
A high point, literally, was reached in the construction of the new library this week with the traditional "topping out" ceremony. The last piece of steel was raised to the highest point of the building's structure, marking the completion of the skeleton. The finishing touches can now begin, including flooring, windows, paint and many other details.
A small tree was attached to the piece of steel, and if you look very closely in the photo below, you can see the tree at the top of the concrete corner "tower."
Following the ceremony, I had another walk-through the building, and indeed, those fir beams visible on the second floor are a thing of beauty! I can hardly wait to see the reactions from our customers when they see them for the first time!
The roof is still being completed, with several layers, including membrane and insulation, still to come. The photo below is looking north, with the elevator shaft in the middle:
The view from the windows still impresses me, and I'm happy to see that our customers will be able to enjoy these views while sitting in the many chairs around the outside walls. The photo below is looking southwest.
A small tree was attached to the piece of steel, and if you look very closely in the photo below, you can see the tree at the top of the concrete corner "tower."
Following the ceremony, I had another walk-through the building, and indeed, those fir beams visible on the second floor are a thing of beauty! I can hardly wait to see the reactions from our customers when they see them for the first time!
The roof is still being completed, with several layers, including membrane and insulation, still to come. The photo below is looking north, with the elevator shaft in the middle:
This photo is looking up toward the clerestory windows; the railing is temporary.
Friday, 14 October 2011
Gluelams
This has been an exciting week in the construction of the branch, with the addition of the beautiful gluelams - the long (100 feet long!), curved wood pieces that are the main architecural feature of the second floor.
The gluelams were manufactured by Structurlam in Okanagan Falls. The photo below was taken at their facility in late August and shows the flat glued pieces being pressed, before the sanding, drilling and finishing processes.
The gluelams were manufactured by Structurlam in Okanagan Falls. The photo below was taken at their facility in late August and shows the flat glued pieces being pressed, before the sanding, drilling and finishing processes.
The gluelams were shipped here to Vernon by truck, and made an impressive sight on the highway, indeed! The photos below were taken during the installation process on the library site, late last week:
Now that the gluelams are in place, the decking can now be added, in preparation for the installation of the curved roof. This photo, taken just this morning, shows this process. Very impressive, I'm sure you'd agree!
Friday, 23 September 2011
Beams
I saw some excellent progress on the new building today on all three levels. The lower parking level has just been painted, and the light colour, combined with plenty of natural light, give the area an open feeling, not dark and oppressive. The photo below shows what I mean.
More wall framing is taking place on the first floor, giving definition to the spaces, but the most exciting development is the addition of the beautiful support beams on the second floor. The clerestory windows and of course the massive curved roof will be built above these beams, but even still covered in plastic, they are impressive on their own!
Looking northwest
Looking southwest
More wall framing is taking place on the first floor, giving definition to the spaces, but the most exciting development is the addition of the beautiful support beams on the second floor. The clerestory windows and of course the massive curved roof will be built above these beams, but even still covered in plastic, they are impressive on their own!
Looking northwest
Looking southwest
Thursday, 1 September 2011
Beginning to take shape - guided tour
At my visit to the new library site this week I could see considerable progress, particularly on the main floor, where the walls are going up, defining spaces such as the multi-purpose room and the children's area. Because we're far enough into the project that it is possible to get a feel for the layout, ORL's public relations officer, Marla O'Brien and I have created a video tour for your enjoyment:
http://www.youtube.com/OKRegLibrary
http://www.youtube.com/OKRegLibrary
Monday, 8 August 2011
Parking and picture books
The parking level for the new branch will have 36 stalls and is filled with plenty of natural light, due to the slope of the site. The photo below shows not only the progress on this level, but also the west-facing windows (on the lower part of the slope) which will provide much of this light.
The most visible corner of the library on the ground floor features curved windows which are part of the children's area, in particular where the picture books will be shelved. This will be a wonderful area for children and parents to browse and read together - watch for additional "clover" tables and "seat-belt" chairs in bright colours! The open spaces below show where these (north-east) facing windows will be.
The most visible corner of the library on the ground floor features curved windows which are part of the children's area, in particular where the picture books will be shelved. This will be a wonderful area for children and parents to browse and read together - watch for additional "clover" tables and "seat-belt" chairs in bright colours! The open spaces below show where these (north-east) facing windows will be.
Monday, 25 July 2011
Going up....
With a two-storey building, one of the most important elements in its construction is the elevator! There will, in fact, be two elevators in the library. One that goes between the underground parking level and the first floor, and another, located centrally on the main floor, that goes between this and the second floor.
While at the site recently, I couldn't resist taking this photo while looking up through the partially completed main-second floor elevator shaft.
The same elevator, this time viewed from the second floor. The elevator door will be on the opposite side (facing west), and will be opposite the top of the main staircase. Our main Information desk, magazines, public Internet stations, computer lab, small group study room, most adult materials and plenty of seating will be on the second floor, so I know there will be a lot of traffic going up there!
While at the site recently, I couldn't resist taking this photo while looking up through the partially completed main-second floor elevator shaft.
The same elevator, this time viewed from the second floor. The elevator door will be on the opposite side (facing west), and will be opposite the top of the main staircase. Our main Information desk, magazines, public Internet stations, computer lab, small group study room, most adult materials and plenty of seating will be on the second floor, so I know there will be a lot of traffic going up there!
Thursday, 21 July 2011
Great view from the second floor
Taken a bit later in June, this photo is taken from the second floor, looking to the west. What a fabulous view!
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Keeping track of progress
Welcome to the new Vernon Branch library blog! Over the next several months, I will be providing regular progress reports on this exciting project as it is completed. Photos are the best way to track changes as they occur, and I will include as many as I can, along with descriptions of what you are seeing!
These photos were taken June 1, and construction has progressed since then, but I think it's interesting to see the process. This photo, looking southwest, shows the concrete columns between the first and second floors. The opening in the lower left is for the elevator shaft from the underground parking level.
This view, looking west, shows the ramp down to the entrance to the underground parking level.
This last photo taken on June 1 is looking northwest and shows the beginnings of the second floor decking. That's the corner of the Tolko building on the right, which is across 30th Avenue from the library.
These photos were taken June 1, and construction has progressed since then, but I think it's interesting to see the process. This photo, looking southwest, shows the concrete columns between the first and second floors. The opening in the lower left is for the elevator shaft from the underground parking level.
This view, looking west, shows the ramp down to the entrance to the underground parking level.
This last photo taken on June 1 is looking northwest and shows the beginnings of the second floor decking. That's the corner of the Tolko building on the right, which is across 30th Avenue from the library.
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