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Mamakating Library
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Mamakating Library

Mamakating Library|Wurtsboro, New York
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Although they have been serving the community for almost a hundred years, Mamakating Library has always been located in rented space. architecture+ provided architectural services for this public library’s first new building. We began by conducting a program review with representatives of the Library to understand their needs and prepared a detailed collection and space program to fit in the planned 4,800 square feet of space. The layout provides the Library with the space they need and the flexibility for program scheduling during day and evening hours.
Project Type:
Library
 
The design and siting of the Library complements the architectural vocabulary of adjacent properties. The building includes space for staff activities, adult and children’s collections, and community use. It is strategically positioned on the site to provide entrances from two main roads. The two entrances converge in a central lobby. The circulation desk, connected to and visible from a staff work room, is positioned to maximize supervision capabilities. The book return is connected to the staff workroom for security and convenience.
 
The adult seating area is located in a heavily windowed area to provide light as well as to welcome patrons as they approach the building. The Library Director’s office is positioned in the center of the library to allow the Director to be actively engaged with library operations. The position of the Director’s office and the staff work room also serves to define the children’s library space.
 
In addition to the children’s collections, this space includes dedicated literacy computers, play tables, and a story hour area. An optional glass door and window were considered to enclose the children’s space to control sound transmission. Finally, a community room, with a capacity of fifty, features a side folding door that allows for the collection space to be closed off so that the community room space and bathrooms can be utilized when the Library is not in operation. A kitchen is available for both staff and community room use.