Design takes another step

The library board, the Nampa Development Commission and Library staff all made headway on matters of library design this month. Modus Architects of Boise was asked to develop a site plan and elevation drawings. These reflect the public comment and technical needs of a new building. The drawings were presented at an NDC meeting on March 5, along with snippets of the various reports and studies that serve as a basis for the building plan. The library site has not yet been announced and we are still in the process of accumulating the property. After that, the next steps include inviting the development community to submit qualifications and proposals. We hope this to happen later this spring. The drawings are imaginative and fun and yet still very practical. These are preliminary, but show where the library board is headed.

Dan Black

More Key Elements....

The Library Board voted last year to accept some key components in the new building. Those include:

• Ground level entry to the building and a significant library presence so that those passing by on foot or in an auto can easily see the building and view persons using this community resource. The library should have no more than two levels used by the public in order to limit staffing costs, insure high quality service, and minimize security issues. A possible third level could be used for library administrative functions. There should be only one public entrance to the library. Entry lobby should provide separate access to the library service area, restrooms and the major meeting room so that community groups can use the meeting room(s) even if the library is closed. The entry should include public art and space for a coffee kiosk and seating.

• Technology requirements should be a major design consideration. The building will incorporate Wi-Fi access throughout. Public and staff computers will be located throughout the building. Public computer access should be near the vertical communications core and distribution hubs and near the staff elevator. Electrical outlets should be plentiful for both staff and public users of fixed and portable devices.

Dan Black