how to build the world’s best library

Timeline

1990: Problem recognized

2007: Location selected

2008: Architects selected

2011: Schematic design completed

2013: Construction starts

2017: Construction ends; library opens

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

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

what if public libraries were open late every night and we could engage in public life there instead of having to choose between drinking at the bar and domestic isolation

BBF. The corollary of free access is frequently theft. Do you think that it is necessary to plan for the implementation of anti-theft devices when programming equipment? MFB. We never impose it: we inform the decision-makers - the municipalities - and they are the ones who take their options. This type of decision, in fact, must be taken very early... See more