By Anne Gibson
The dining theatre at Empire High School was full of cheers and clapping as 65 community members heard presentations on the proposed library to serve Southeast Pima County, on Wednesday, May 15th.
It was ten years of attending Pima County bond committee meetings in the hopes of getting a library to serve the Vail area only to have the bond fail along with the hopes and dreams for a library. But thanks to Pima County Public Library Executive Director Amber Mathewson and Deputy Director of Support Services Michelle Simon, they recognized the need for a library to serve the residents of Southeast Pima County.
A community steering committee was formed to begin the community process for a 5,000 square foot library, which later with the location of additional funds was enlarged to 9,000 square feet. Ed Buster chair of the Pima County Advisory Board and a resident of Corona de Tucson, and Ethan Hurley, Vail School District Director of College and Career Programs, became the co-chairs.
A piece of land owned by the county formerly on the master plan for Esmond Station Regional Park was selected on Mary Ann Cleveland Way for the site of the library. The site is in walking distance of Empire High School and the Vail Innovation Center and West of Esmond Station K-8 School. The architectural panel selected Burns Wald-Hopkins Shambach Architects Inc., (BWS Architects) to design the library.
Jeff Dacosta, Manager of Public Arts for the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona, explained that the foundation is charged with overseeing the public arts projects. One percent of the project price, in the case of the Southeast Library $22,500, is allocated for public art. There was an open call for one month of which 13 artists applied. Three finalists were selected with local artist Troy M. Neiman specializing in welding, fabrication and design being selected. Troy Neiman addressed the audience, explaining the final design is a work in progress. He is going down the road of understanding the history and the people who live here. Community members who serve on the panel for pubic arts were Ed Buster, Ethan Hurley, and J. J. Lamb.
Frank Slingerland, architect from BWS Architects, spoke to the design phase for the library by sharing how thrilled they were to be selected. Regarding the location, he said, they pushed the building back to the north for the spectacular views and making use of the space extremely flexible. They are suggesting a very simple functional form with the use of outdoor space such as the multi-purpose doors on the west side open onto an outdoor covered space. Their plan is designed to bring the outside into the building by the use of colors and windows. The wood ceiling is used for acoustical purposes, limiting noise.
Michelle Simon opened the floor to questions. One member of the audience inquired about wheelchair accessibility outside and inside the library. Ms. Simon responded we have universal access that allows all people access. Another member requested car accessibility for car drop off at the site for those with children and a separate area for children. Ms. Simon responded that many libraries have drop off facilities and that there is a specific area for children in the library that is the furthest distance from the adult section.
There was concern about turning into the library area for Mary Ann Cleveland and parking. The response from Ms. Simon was that there should be a left-hand turn lane turn lane off of Mary Ann Cleveland Way. The plan calls for 32 parking spaces, which is up to code, but can be enlarged.
From the audience came a question about growth and a plan to serve the new families coming in. Ms. Simon stated the library prepares for growth by using the pay as we go model. The building is being designed with expansion in mind.
Another question from the audience asked about the days and hours for the library. Ms. Simon explained that the hours would be dependent on community needs. Some of the 26 currently operating libraries do not open on Sunday and if they do it is with limited hours. The weekday and Saturday hours depend upon community need.
There was a question asked about energy saving elements in the design. Ms. Simon replied there would not be any fans, but the building is designed to be energy efficient with shade on the north side not the south. There will be solar panels.
Discussion was held regarding the size of the staff work area. Mrs. Mathewson responded that the area is relative to the size of the library and that it would require eight to ten employees to operate efficiently. Not all ten will be present at the same time. Some may be out in Vail district classroom or others with outreach programs. Interested parties will be able to apply through the Pima County Human Resources Department regarding job opportunities and may specify library choice. They try to hire from the community.