Did you know there is an interior design award for libraries? What a cool job - although I’m sure 4th grade teachers who love libraries do not qualify, :( - especially since I consider Bates Hall (at the Boston Public Library) the penultimate design. The design awards are sponsored by the American Library Association and the International Interior Design Association. Libraries are selected based on their creativity, function, and excellence in design. I decided to checked out the winner of the “smaller public libraries” (30,000 square ft. and under).
The Arabian Library at 10215 E Mcdowell Mountain Ranch Road in Scottsdale, AZ won the award in 2008 and my research turned up some pretty juicy details. First a tour of the library...the reddish-brown steel walls of the library rise up from the landscape like the local slot canyon walls that inspired architects James Richard and Kelly Bauer (richard+bauer). They created spaces that resemble canyon ravines and winding mountain paths throughout the library. It looks as if there are no windows from the facade but the interior is flooded with natural light from skylights and glass courtyard walls. Window walls on the side of the building frame views of the McDowell Mountain Range. The walls curve and swoop to create spaces that are interesting but are a little too ‘cave-like’ for my aesthetic. It is as if you were out hiking in the canyon and slipped into a crevice to reveal...a library! Maybe this was the look they were after? I’m not to crazy about spending the afternoon reading in a cave, but that’s just me.
However, the unrelated story I uncovered about Arabian is that it is HAUNTED! I kid you not. This is not a PR stunt (see NYPL entry) but actual reports of spooky events like books flying off the shelf, random voices and rapid changes in the temperature. The local news reported the ongoing investigation by a company called Sonoran Paranormal Investigations. The company brought in their ‘equipment’ to search for ‘science-based evidence’ of paranormal activity. I can’t imagine any of the practical librarians I know putting up with this type new age tomfoolery but maybe librarians in Arizona are more laid back when it comes to ghost busting? Fortunately, no public money was spent on the investigation, SPI does not charge. SPI did conclude that the library is haunted in their final report but states that the ghosts are not “malevolent, but are simply seeking attention” and encourages the library to embrace their good fortune. I’m guessing they’re just like the rest of us, lost souls who just need a little help finding the right book.
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