2024-04-30T15:44:22-04:00 https://archinect.com/news/article/124677931/aia-ala-library-building-award-winners-bolster-the-value-in-caring-for-community-libraries Justine Testado 2015-04-06T19:16:00-04:00 >2018-01-30T06:16:04-05:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/k8/k8n5yt7g5us43uze.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>The arched ceilings, stained glass windows, and other embellished details of some of the world's oldest university libraries or contemporary hotspots like, say, OMA's glass-clad Seattle Public Library get enough attention when it comes to the "best" library designs. While those libraries are impressive in their own regard, smaller and local community libraries are equally valuable. They can be that much-needed catalyst to revive a neighborhood or that comfortable quiet haven to get work done or temporarily escape from it all (including napping). Even as library archives become increasingly digital, libraries are evolving facilities that shouldn't be taken for granted.</p><p>In this spirit, the AIA and the American Library Association (ALA) like to recognize and promote local libraries that are considered to be exemplary models of stellar library design in their Library Building Awards program. The awards jury (listed at the bottom) selected six projects for 2015:</p><p><a href="http://www.aia.org/practicing/awards/2015/library-awards/cedar-rapids-public-library/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cedar Rapids Public Library...</a></p>