Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library Bittersweet Branch Renovation
Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library recognized that the Bittersweet Branch had become outdated and no longer met the demands of its patrons. Patron use had declined partly due to the library building’s internal organization was not conducive to providing necessary amenities and program spaces. Furthermore, the aesthetics were dated, uninviting, and no longer represented the level of amenities the library strives to offer. DLZ worked closely with the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library to determine the programmatic and organizational needs to provide a positive experience for patrons of all ages.
Patrons are now greeted by a warm and inviting entry Lobby. Repositioning the primary doors allows for a secured entry and offers access to the new public restrooms and Multipurpose rooms from within library. The Lobby’s long-standing acoustical challenges were remedied with acoustic wall panels and replacing the outdated quarry tile with sound absorptive carpet and sound masking was installed.
Distinct zones for each patron experience were established. The common media collection and gathering spaces create a deliberate separation between the children and adult collections. The adult periodical area is housed within a separate room for quiet reading and is also utilized as flexible meeting space. Private collaborative rooms offer an area for interaction, while interior glazing allow for visual control.
The combination of new finishes and furnishings reinforces the goals and objectives in renovating the Penn Harris Mishawaka library. New contemporary interior finishes were installed throughout to enhance the patron experience. Application of new graphics and decorative accent wall finishes provide for a dynamic and enlivened interior. The use of color reinforces the use of a zone; a more conservative palette was incorporated in the adult areas, while the Children’s areas are more playful. Multiple seating types and arrangements allow for a variety of patron experiences. New booths allow for casual interaction, semiprivate individual seating allows for quiet person spaces, while casual touch-down spaces create brief moments of rest and observation of the collection.
The heating-ventilation-air conditioning system was upgraded to reduce overall operation and maintenance costs. New condensing boilers distribute hot water to fan coil units within the mezzanine/attic space, a new remote chiller replaced the deteriorated cooling equipment, and new direct digital controls were installed to manage indoor air quality and provide indoor environmental comfort.
Indoor air quality was improved by mitigating contamination by airborne particulates through a filtration system, increasing air changes, and improving air circulation. A ceiling fan with UV-C lighting, bi-polar ionizers, purification stations, and hydration stations were installed to help reduce the potential spread of contaminants.
Improvements to the rear courtyard space promotes natural movement from the interior space to the exterior. A formerly underutilized courtyard was transformed by expanding the sheltered canopy and stage,
securing the perimeter with fencing, providing new furnishings, and replacing plantings. The space is now utilized for book readings, musical performances, and environmental explorations. When specific programs are not scheduled, patrons can now enjoy the fresh air and daylight surrounded by verdant landscaping and plantings.
