The ever-evolving role of a library: 

Libraries are some of the most beloved buildings in our communities, ‘third places’ where ideas are exchanged and relationships built. At their best, libraries proudly reflect the people and places they serve, encouraging a sense of belonging and equality.  

For librarians, developing library programs that keep pace with rapidly advancing technology and the needs of patrons is a huge lift on its own. However, library services are just half of the equation, the other is the physical space the library occupies: Noll & Tam Architects is always asking ourselves these questions, but unlike the pages of a novel, the answers are not so black and white. 

• What does the building we call a library actually look like?  
• How does the physical structure both inside and out support the efforts of the library? How does this public building, modern by necessity yet home to the wisdom of the past, reflect the community it serves?  
• How does a library create a sense of place while welcoming all ages, abilities, and cultures? 

Many of us may think of book stacks and late fees when we think of our local public library, but what does a librarian think when they assess their local library? Perhaps they notice the lack of light in the bathroom, a shelf that’s too high, the need for more computers or a space for teens… librarians know better than anyone what life inside a library is like, and their input is invaluable in the process of (re)designing one.   

Noll & Tam’s founding architects have been working with libraries and librarians for the entire 30-year history of the firm, wading through the technological advancements and fielding new service needs right alongside library staff. Our team has an impressive collection of library cards, and an even more impressive collection of library buildings in our portfolio; each one a testament to and a reflection of its place in its community.  

These noteworthy and award-winning designs each begin with the community: its look and feel, its history and culture, and most importantly, its people. Though there are elements that are repeated and replicated across all library projects, there is always the necessary task of molding these elements into something entirely unique, which speaks to the broader context of the place this library exists within, and the people that make up its identity.

Putting theory into practice:

Not far from Noll & Tam’s Berkeley office is coastal Santa Cruz County, with a definitive ‘feel’ if not a definitive architectural identity. Among the buildings is a mix of colors and textures, varying degrees of salty-air weathering, and the influence of a rural and rustic past.  

When it came time to design new branch libraries after a 2016 bond measure passed the vote, the County Library Director was keen to ensure each would reflect the personality of the city it serves. Noll & Tam took on two of these libraries: 

Capitola Library

Following a public outreach process and building on work already done, Noll & Tam began to synthesize the spirit of Capitola into a new 11,700-square-foot library design, one which would accommodate each use and user group without compromising functionality or beauty. Additionally, the design would need to reinforce Capitola’s coastal identity by being of the community as well as for the community.  

The resulting design draws inspiration from the rugged locale and coastal setting, weaving the surrounding beauty of the natural environment throughout the building. The sloped site elevates the main spaces above street level, and the large glass panels in the main room give patrons a feeling of being nestled in the trees while allowing natural light to flood the building.  A picture containing outdoor, sky, tree, building.

The interior has an intuitive flow, yet also creates gently defined spaces for different age groups. For example, the Adult Reading Room is imagined as the hull of a boat, with the inverted wood ceiling creating a lofty, open space and sophisticated feel reminiscent of Santa Cruz’s maritime history. In the Children’s Area and Community Room, hand-painted metal leaves form a whimsical canopy overhead, echoing the large oak trees just outside the walls. These large open spaces contrast with small and intimate areas for reflection and reading, such as the large fireplace with floor-to-ceiling stonework which evokes the feeling of a cozy living room. 

Outside the library, outdoor reading spaces and a pedestrian link to the nearby creek complete the connection to nature. Going one step further in its dedication to community, the building is the new home to illustrations from a beloved and recently shuttered local bookstore.  

The Capitola Library opened in the summer of 2021. It is a physical manifestation of this tight-knit community, a functional space for library staff, and a place to nurture the same social cohesion in the next generation of Capitola. Explore the library in 3D!

Felton Branch Library

Not far from Capitola is the community of Felton, nestled in the Santa Cruz mountains. The process moved quickly after funding was secured and the Felton Branch Library began to take shape as a community hub and civic landmark, right sized for its residential setting. Noll & Tam was brought in to design the interior.   

The rustic-industrial design harkens to Felton’s history as a logging community and the wood plank ceilings and bookstacks are inspired in part by the town’s well-known covered bridge, a registered historic landmark. Steel detailing on the windows and tables are a reminder of the steam trains that still roll through the area.  

Like the Capitola Library, there is a natural flow between indoors and out—connections to natural light and vistas that make the 9,000-square-foot library feel part of the adjacent nature park and larger wooded surroundings. An intuitive flow throughout is again gently defined for various user groups, united by a cohesive aesthetic. The modern space is refined yet offers the whimsical touches of a storybook setting, felt most strongly in the Children’s Area, where it is easy to imagine sprites perched on the red toadstool ottomans and bear cubs curled up with a book inside the small willow huts. A flock of 200 hand-blown glass butterflies flutters above kids at play on carpet designed to look like the pebbles of a creek bed. Just outside the windows are additional art pieces featuring these butterflies, a nod to the monarchs that migrate annually through Santa Cruz.  

Adults are usually found enjoying the large fireplace opposite the Children’s Area, their concentration protected by fabric-wrapped acoustical panels and perforated wood walls. The open feel of the library is welcoming to all, while within the space, subtle yet defined nooks provide privacy and quiet. Work areas are outlined by carpet tile insets with a residential feel. The abundant meeting spaces are flexible enough to accommodate community gatherings yet scaled to facilitate spontaneous connection and personal work.  

Though new, the Felton Branch Library has strong roots to the community’s past, provides for all modern needs, and spurs an appreciation for both nature and neighbor. The library opened in early 2020, functioning as a seamless extension of the surrounding residential area. 

Community Input and Site-Specific Influence:

The Capitola and Felton Branch libraries are just two examples of how a community can and should influence its public spaces. Architects like Noll & Tam are, in a sense, less the designers of these spaces so much as the vessel through which a community’s vision comes to fruition. We are proud to have successfully partnered with library staff, patrons, advocates and others to facilitate the process in which all voices are heard in equal measure and daily operations are considered at every stage.  

Noll & Tam’s library designs are strong examples of successful engagement, passion for libraries, and an embrace of the future. Our libraries are beautiful in their embodiment of place and purpose. 

Building Forward:

If you are a librarian or library patron, Noll & Tam would love to hear your thoughts and ideas for the library in your community. Our 30 years of experience coupled with the expertise of local library users is a winning combination for designing a new or refreshed library space—even modest budgets can have a big impact! 

 

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