Community Design Meeting Summary and Compilation of Public Comments

Location: Benning Interim Library, 4101 Benning Rd. N.E., Washington, D.C. 20019

Meeting Purpose: Public meeting to provide the community with an opportunity to review and comment on the proposed schematic design and scaled model of the new Benning Neighborhood Library. The design team gave a brief overview and following this, DC Public Library staff were available to discuss the project and answer questions. The comments in this summary were made by the participants in a facilitated discussion.

Meeting Format: Presentation and interactive workshop format:

• The overview by the design team focused on project implementation and on how the design has evolved since the first community meeting.
• A facilitated discussion allowed participants to provide comments and ask questions of library staff and the project team.
• Participants were encouraged to submit suggestions for the new library’s book collection as well as for suggestions for quotations that inspire the Benning community. The quotes will be considered for inclusion on the interior wall of the library.

Attendees: Twenty-five community members added their names to the sign-in sheets. Ginnie Cooper, Archie Williams, Jeff Bonvechio, Kim Fuller, Barbara Norland, Elissa Miller, Martha Saccocio and the Benning Interim Library staff represented the DC Public Library. Peter Cook, Jeff Harrigan and Matt Hoyt represented the architecture and planning firm, Davis, Brody, Bond, Aedas, and Joseph Ockershausen represented Forrester Construction Company. W. Steve Lee and Tosin Durotoye of the consulting firm CirclePoint also attended the meeting.

Summary of Comments From the Facilitated Discussion

Library Use Issues

• Please clarify the difference between the staff services area and the information desk.
• Would like to request that cutting edge technology be made available in the new Benning Neighborhood Library.
• Hope multi-purpose room will be available for use by all sorts of groups, such as dance or yoga classes.
• Would like to see A/V equipment and phone conferencing capabilities in the community meeting room.

Library User Issues

• The information desk needs to be closer to the catalog computer so both can be used effectively without patrons having to walk back and forth with a question.
• Would like to see ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) approved ramps closer to the library entrance.
• DCPL should consider installing an escalator in addition to the elevator. There are a lot of elderly people in the community who will not be able to use the proposed stairs in the event that the elevator is out of order.

Library Design Issues (Interior)

• Be sure interior layout enables parents to keep an eye on their young children while they are in the play area.
• Would like to see automatic toilets and baby changing facilities in the new library.
• Consider soundproofing the conference room.
• Special effort should be made to make the lower level warm and inviting.
• Would like to see brightly colored walls throughout the library.
• The design team should explore moving the mechanical room underground so as to increase the usable space on the lower level.
• Would like to propose holding a mini-charrette to give the community one last chance to express their views on the interior design of the Benning Library.

Library Design Issues (Exterior)

• Would like to see an abundance of exterior lighting to deter criminal activity.

Art

• Thank you for proposing to bring art into the Benning Library.
• The design team should consider leaving wall space for an interior mural displaying local community history and culture.
• Would like to suggest that the design team consider sustainable art with an historical background that the community can relate to.
• Would like to see dedicated space to encourage art activities (i.e. a special sink for the proper disposal of artists’ materials such as paint).
• DCPL should consider commissioning stained glass for the library.
• DCPL should issue a bid for art to be displayed on the exterior of the library.
• Would like to see a permanent exhibition of the community’s history on display in the library.

Process Considerations

• Need continuous and frequent public meetings to keep the community engaged in and informed on the process.
• Believe that the design process has not allowed for a give and take process between the community and DCPL.

Sustainability

• Concerned about how much maintenance the proposed green roof will require.
• Please reconsider the green roof and instead use available funds for much needed items such as an escalator.
• The design of the new library should allow for future flexibility to accommodate the growing and changing population in the community.

Other

• I just want to say thank you for working on the design for the new Benning Library.
• Would like to know about any discussions DCPL held with private developer, City Interests.
• Please make available the existing conditions' report on the old Benning Library so we can compare what the community is getting against what it previously had.
• Propose that a job fair be held to bring subcontractors in contact with local community residents seeking employment opportunities.

Quotation and book collection suggestions still are being accepted for the new Benning Neighborhood Library. Construction on the library is scheduled to begin this fall, and the new library is set to open in the early months of 2010.

For more information: Log on to www.dclibrary.org or contact Archie Williams, DC Public Library at archie.williams@dc.gov or 202-727-1437.