Notes on the erection of library bildings (sic)

              Notes on the Erection of Library Bildings.
This memorandum is sent to anticipate frequent requests for such information, and should be taken as a guide, especially when the proposed architect has not had much library bilding experience. It should be noted that many of the bildings erected years ago, from plans tacitly permitted at the time, would not be allowd now.
Library committees, especially in small towns, ar frequently composed of busy men who, having lackt time or opportunity to obtain a knowledge of library planning, ar led to select a design which, if bilt, would yield an inadequate return of useful accommodation for the money invested, and would unwarrantably increas the expense of carrying on the library.
Some architects ar liable, unconsciously, no dout, to aim at architectural features and to subordinate useful accommodation. Some ar also apt, on account of a lack of practical knowledge of the administration of a library, to plan interiors which ar entirely unsuited for the purposes of a free public library. Small libraries should be pland so that one librarian can oversee the entire library from a central position.
The amount allowd by Carnegie Corporation of New York to cover the cost of a library bilding is according to a standard based on (a) the population which is to pay the tax for carrying on the library, and {b) a specified minimum revenue from such tax. The donation is sufficient only to provide needed accommodation and there wil be either a shortage of accommodation or of money if this primary purpose is not kept in view, viz.: TO OBTAIN FOR THE MONEY THE UTMOST AMOUNT OF EFFECTIV ACCOMMODATION, CONSISTENT WITH GOOD TASTE IN BILDING.
The amount allowd is intended to cover cost of the bilding, complete and redy for use with indispensible furniture and fixtures, and including architect's fees.
In looking over hundreds of plans for small and medium-sized bildings, costing about $10,000, more or less, we hav noted some features leading to a wasting of space, especially in connection with the entrance feature, which, when not wisely pland, leads also to waste in halls, delivery room, etc.
The economical layout of the bilding is sacrificed or subordinated at times to minor accessories, such as too much or too valuable space allotted to cloak rooms, toilets and stairs.
The bilding should be devoted exclusively to: (main floor) housing of books and their issue for home use; comfortable accommodation for reading them by adults and children; (basement) lecture room; necessary accommodation for heating plant; also all conveniences for the library patrons and staff.
Experience seems to sho that the best results for a small general library ar obtaind by adopting the one-story and basement rectangular type of bilding, with a small vestibule entering into one large room sub-divided as required by means of bookcases. In cases where it is necessary, to secure quiet, glass partitions may be pqt above the bookcases. By a one-story and basement bilding is meant a bilding with the basement about four feet