After thirteen months and a $7.3 million facelift, the Portland Public Library reopened for business on April 15. A new glass facade has been added at the front that makes it a sunny, welcoming space to sit with your laptop or the morning paper. No laptop? No problem. There are 35 computer stations available. There is also a brand new kids' section on the first floor not the basement like the old and a special section set aside just for teens, with an opening opposite "Freshman Alley" at Portland High School. The stacks are lower, thus letting more natural lighting to come through from end to end. Now, let me be a bit picky. Is it just me? Is something missing? Take a look at this picture taken from Monument Square. Is there a plan to add the name to this frontal area? There's plenty of room. For those visiting this fair city and/or unfamiliar with the building, I do hope there is a plan to add a bit of signage.Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Books and More
After thirteen months and a $7.3 million facelift, the Portland Public Library reopened for business on April 15. A new glass facade has been added at the front that makes it a sunny, welcoming space to sit with your laptop or the morning paper. No laptop? No problem. There are 35 computer stations available. There is also a brand new kids' section on the first floor not the basement like the old and a special section set aside just for teens, with an opening opposite "Freshman Alley" at Portland High School. The stacks are lower, thus letting more natural lighting to come through from end to end. Now, let me be a bit picky. Is it just me? Is something missing? Take a look at this picture taken from Monument Square. Is there a plan to add the name to this frontal area? There's plenty of room. For those visiting this fair city and/or unfamiliar with the building, I do hope there is a plan to add a bit of signage.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
What a transformation. I can't wait to come visit! And you're right. It absolutely needs to be identified as The Portland Public Library.
ReplyDeleteLove the combination of green glass and rusty coloured cobblestone.
ReplyDeleteHow library's have changed.
ReplyDeleteVery attractive building and you're right, there should be some signage. Will have to visit sometime.
ReplyDeleteLovely building. I have a friend who just moved to Portland. It's nice to be able to see her city (and yours) through your photos.
ReplyDeleteI like the outside transformation and can't imagine the signage won't be comiing along before too long. I like the idea of the children's area moving up to the first floor. I used to work in the art and AV areas and wonder what changes took place there. I guess I'll just have to make a trip and see for myself. Thanks for the informative post, Birdman. The PPL was one of the reasons Clueless & I moved there back in the 1980s.
ReplyDelete