Major Goals for the Function or Area:
Offer community spaces that accommodate a variety of groups at all hours and that offer kitchen facilities adequate for catered events to attract the public and create an income stream.
Critical Needs (must have):
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- One large meeting room with capacity for 50 people
- Two small meeting rooms with capacity for 10-15 people
- Full kitchen, accessible to caterers (possibly by service entrance)
- Meeting rooms need to be adjacent to kitchen and restrooms
- Capability of locking meeting rooms, kitchen, and restrooms off from library for after-hours events
- Adequate parking for community events, with special consideration on safe and accessible entry and safely lighting at night. Seek partnership with other community groups to build underground parking.
- Exhibit space for community history display (historical photos and objects) and rotating art exhibits (2-D and 3-D).
- For large meeting room, full electronic infrastructure and equipment, including wireless network, hard-wired data jacks, digital projector, drop-down screen, sound system. All meeting rooms need very generous electrical outlets throughout.
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Less-Critical (would like to have):
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- Everything is critical!
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Design Considerations:
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- Retain sight lines – no pillars or support columns in large room
- Good acoustics–use sound-absorbing wall coverings and a minimum of hard, echoing surfaces (to accommodate those with diminished hearing and for performances)
- Windows! (very important that large meeting room not be windowless)
- Multi-purpose and adjustable lighting (adaptable for business meetings, social events, dinners, for computer/film projection, performances, and adequate for art installations)
- Sturdy, comfortable chairs with arms (stackable) and small to medium-size folding tables for greater flexibility in configuration (storage space for all tables and chairs is needed)
- Use inviting colors that avoid blandness; include decorative plants
- Misc: install “art tracks” for hanging art; make space for a piano, create tasteful donor recognition.
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Nancy Carol Carter, facilitator