Today was Field Trip day. James had the class convene at the Larry J. Ringer library here in College Station. Recently, they'd been given some money from the city for a renovation and want to do all they can with the expansion because "who knows when [they'll] get another chance like this again." It was nice to get to experience the place we're going to attempt to redesign and add onto.
Some of the problems that I initially noticed needed to be fixed were the outlets on the floor. Yes, it would be a good call if the covers worked. They showed us how their roller chairs would end up getting stuck in the little pit that it made in the ground, and I happened to step into one later in the middle of the library and had a near-death experience (or so I thought).
As for a redesign of the actual space however, the staff area MUST be redone. It.. um.. "works" I suppose, but even if you were to use the same amount of space they have now, it could still be a lot more efficiently designed than it is now.
They also talked about the different staff desks in the entrance, children's section and middle of the library and how they didn't allow them enough space to "retreat" into while working. Also, carts of books were lined up behind the children's area staff desk since they didn't have any other way of preventing kids (and other people) from coming up behind them.
The stacks were neatly arranged and the seating along the curved southeastern wall was pretty nicely thought out, but for it to be even better, they would've needed more space. The clerestory windows under the arch and atrium were also conducive to the environment, allowing someone to feel outside with the luxury of air conditioning and a comfy chair inside.
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After visiting the library, we all drove to this little quaint cafe nestled between the historic buildings of downtown Bryan. I have to say, it's now one of my favorite little coffee shops/cafes in town. I had a delicious sandwich (after accidentally stealing my classmate's, sorry!) with pesto chicken and hummus with cucumber on the side (a new and interesting combination for me). As for the drink: SO GOOD. It was called the Happy Bee. Four of my favorite things all mixed together and served like a shake: honey, peanut butter, bananas, and chocolate. (If you haven't noticed yet, I'm a bit of a foodie. It's in my blood.)
Oh, and I got a free book, so that's always good.
So overall: good day, nice yet cramped library, free books, and good food. It's been great.
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