How to Build a Library | American Libraries Magazine

The role of Friends and trustees

“A revamped library commission,” which Gillum says changed significantly with Austin’s 1998 bond election, “proved to be critical for the new Central Library project.” He credits the commission’s “passionate advocacy” for getting the funding proposition on the 2006 ballot and rallying citizens to vote in support, wh... See more

Timeline

1990: Problem recognized

2007: Location selected

2008: Architects selected

2011: Schematic design completed

2013: Construction starts

2017: Construction ends; library opens

Lessons learned

What did each person wish they had known going into the process?

“The construction inflation during the design of this project was significant. By the time we got through design, we had to make some engineering changes to keep within budget,” says Smith. “Another lesson learned was to always be ready for anything the fire marshals wi... See more