Building Literacy: Public Library Construction

In this seventh and last episode of the transformational impact series, we ask our panel of dedicated library administrators from across the Commonwealth, who represent urban, suburban, and rural libraries, to share any final thoughts about their experiences, leading to a short discussion about the elevation of the perception of the library and the cycle many libraries find themselves in prior to a building project. 

This sixth installment of seven bite-sized episodes on the transformational impact of new libraries focuses on the community’s response to the new building. While we may think it is about voicing awe at the architectural details and the aesthetic beauty, the loudest response is in the use. Our panel of dedicated library administrators from across the Commonwealth, who represent urban, suburban, and rural libraries share what they have noticed and heard the most since opening their doors.

The fifth of seven bite-sized episodes that capture the transformational impact of six new libraries, this episode focuses on sustainability and resilience measures. Hear library administrators from across the Commonwealth, who represent urban, suburban, and rural libraries discuss thermal comfort, healthy air, better energy bills or lack thereof, and the library serving as a teaching tool within their community. 

The fourth in a series on transformational impact, this episode focuses on how flexibility of spaces has allowed the six new libraries to adapt to changing needs or circumstances. Hear library administrators from urban, suburban, and rural libraries discuss how they can reconfigure their library, utilize spaces in various ways, and be able to say yes to services and programming. 

In this third episode in the seven-part series on the transformational impact of six new libraries throughout the Commonwealth, our panel of library administrators shares how the new facility has changed their communities, attitudes about the library, and the services they offer. 

In the second episode in the Transformational Impact series, the directors and assistant directors of six new libraries across the Commonwealth share stories of community members discovering or rediscovering their new library. Learn what has brought them into the library and how this has impacted visitor, circulation, and room reservation statistics.

From our daily work, we know that newly renovated, expanded, and constructed libraries are transformational for individuals, families,  community groups and the staff that serve them. It is time to celebrate the results of so many people working long hours, overcoming adversity, and investing millions of dollars all for a public good. Welcome to the first in a seven-part series of bite-sized episodes that capture the impact six new libraries have had in their communities via the words of their directors and assistant directors. This episode focuses on one story- one story of hope, one story of connection, one story of growth, one story of an about-face, and more.  

We are joined by Lisa Oldham, the President and CEO of New Canaan Library, and Miki Porta, the Environmental Social Governance (ESG) Coordinator for the New Canaan Library for this second episode of a two-part series focusing on their new library, which opened in February 2023. We discuss the impact of their decisions for both the building and the library’s service model as it relates to the community they serve. We will hear about everything from unexpected connections to a learning framework meant to enhance each part of the library experience for all ages.

In this first episode of a two-part series, Lisa Oldham, the President and CEO of New Canaan Library, and Miki Porta, the Environmental Social Governance (ESG) Coordinator for the New Canaan Library, discuss the design and construction process for their new library, which opened in February 2023. From fundraising 75% of the total project cost to participating as a pilot with Grace Farms’ Design for Freedom initiative, their project involved some rare and unique circumstances and elements. Learn more about the intentional decisions made to foster a holistic approach to sustainability and the impact of the built environment on people. For photos of the library, visit the ALA Library Design Showcase, for which New Canaan Library was selected as an exemplary climate-conscious project.

On this very Massachusetts-focused episode, learn more about the Supplier Diversity Office's (SDO) Municipal Construction Affirmative Marketing Program (MCAMP) from our guest, Meghan Costa. Any State-assisted vertical construction project above $150,000 must comply with project-specific goals for participation of women-owned business enterprises (WBEs) and minority-owned business enterprises (MBEs). We discuss how goals are set, what compliance entails, and the resources available for OPMs, municipalities, contractors, and small businesses seeking certification.

Resources:
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/supplier-diversity-office-sdo    SDO Homepage

https://www.mass.gov/forms/take-the-certification-self-assessment SDO certification self-assessment

https://www.mass.gov/resource/resources-for-diverse-and-small-businesses Resources for Diverse and Small businesses