Marshalltown’s original library facility, a Carnegie building built in 1903, was proving too small and inefficient for the 21st century user. Increased library use by residents and access to technology were some of the driving forces behind building a new library. The project was funded, in part, by Vision Iowa.
The new library includes:
- 14 new Internet stations for a total of 20
- 38,970 square feet of space, double the size of the current library
- One-floor design and complete accessibility for persons with disabilities
- Ample on-site parking
- Public meeting room seating 150 people, dividable and able to be used when the library is closed
- 4 study rooms
- Youth programming space to accommodate 65 children
- Security system to deter theft
- Separate Young Adult area
- Variety of comfortable seating and table areas
Lighting the library presented a challenge. Collection spaces are open to structure, the lighting in these areas was done with suspended direct/indirect fixtures installed perpendicular to the book stacks. The building exterior was designed to utilize natural light, so the perimeter light fixtures are dimmed in response to the daylight for energy savings. The lobby and circulation areas have light monitors with clerestory windows, and utilize cove lighting with additional daylighting control.
To reduce maintenance and for aesthetic purposes, a central inverter was used for emergency lighting. This eliminated the use of individual emergency lighting units and/or battery packs in the light fixtures.
As part of the LEED certification, the library incorporated a roof-mounted solar panel photovoltaic array that converts sunlight to electricity. The system is capable of providing 2.5% of the energy cost of the building. A monitor will be on display in the library that shows how much power the panels generate. The project was awarded LEED Gold.