CAE: Libraries As Learning Spaces

The 5 speakers will each give a short presentation showing examples of how public libraries are currently used as learning spaces. They will focus on requirements and opportunities of the physical spaces these programs are held in. Kate Weiland, AIA, has recently completed a study; “Capital needs assessment of public libraries in rural distressed counties within Washington State”. She will discuss the many roles libraries fulfill within rural communities, focusing on educational spaces. Maaike Post, AIA, will show examples of recently designed maker spaces within the KCLS system. Adrianne Ralph as the former Facilities Design Coordinator for KCLS, will give her perspective on the first two topics. Angelina Benedetti will speak about educational programming for Teens and Seniors at KCLS branches, including SAT prep, software classes, etc. She will also discuss Citizenship programs KCLS offers. She will show examples of the spaces KCLS is currently using for these programs and will discuss trends and desires looking towards the future of library programming. Francesca Wainwright, SPL, will discuss Early Learning programs at Seattle Public Libraries. She will show examples of the spaces SPL is currently using for these programs and will discuss trends and desires looking towards the future of library programming. Following the presentations, Ruth Baleiko, FAIA will lead a panel discussion and take audience questions.

This program takes place in an accessible location with zero-step groundfloor entry, and an accessible restroom. Please note in your registration if you would like to be contacted about additional accommodations to fully participate in this program.

This program is presented by AIA Seattle’s Committee on Architecture for Education. Contact Connor Descheemaker, Membership & Volunteer Manager, with questions or concerns.

Learning Objectives

• Based on current trends in local library programming, participants will be able to identify at least three user groups that benefit from libraries as learning spaces.
• Participants will be able to list four architectural program elements that support the use of library spaces for learning.
• Participants will be able to recognize and give examples of how learning spaces in libraries continue to evolve.
• Participants will be able to illustrate the power of the public library in the community in creating lifelong learners.

Speakers

Angela Benedetti
Library Regional Manager, King County Library System, West Region
Angelina Benedetti is a Regional Manager for the King County Library System. Presently, she manages the six libraries serving the communities of Burien, SeaTac, Tukwila, and White Center. During her tenure as a manager with the library system, she has been involved with a number of new library buildings and renovations. In her civic life, she is a member of the City of Renton Planning Commission, and served in an advisory capacity on their Downtown Civic Core Vision and Action Plan. She loves being a soccer and taekwondo mom.

Francesca Wainwright
Regional Manager, Lake City | Northeast | Northgate | University Branches, The Seattle Public Library
Francesca Wainwright has worked for The Seattle Public Library for over 30 years both as a front line librarian and in various management and administrative roles.  She was involved with several branch library building projects as part of the Seattle Public Library’s “Libraries for All” bond measure in the early 2000s.  In her current role as a regional manager she has been part of two significant project to “re-imagine” branch libraries to better respond to the changing needs of the community.

Adrianne Ralph
Planning & Design Administrator, Northshore School District
Dri is an urban planner.  She spent 14 years working for the King County Library System. During her tenure there she managed over 45 projects.  A few of the highlight projects include the Sammamish Library which won the Library Journal, New Landmark Library in 2011 and the Renton Library which won the  AIA/American Library Association, Library Building Award 2016.  Since her time at KCLS She has joined the Northshore School District where she is currently in the process of overseeing the build of a 52 million dollar elementary and middle school expansions, and the design of a 40 million dollar concert hall for Inglemoor High School.

Kate Weiland AIA
Associate, BuildingWork
Kate Weiland is an Associate and Senior Architect at BuildingWork in Seattle. Kate has a strong interest in exploring how a community adopts and adapts to its environment and is passionate about creating vibrant spaces for communities. Recently, Kate has been involved in the creation of public libraries, the renovation of landmarked buildings, and adapting existing spaces to meet the needs of community organizations. Serving as a Senior Project Architect and Project Manager on some of BuildingWork’s most complex projects, Kate has led the programming, design, and implementation of BuildingWork’s completed library projects including new construction, library renovation, and existing library analysis. She excels at community outreach and enjoys engaging with staff, patrons, and community members to create flexible spaces uniquely tuned to the community they serve.

Maaike Post AIA
Associate, The Miller Hull Partnership
Over her 12 years at Miller Hull, Maaike Post has gravitated towards public work and the chance to design projects available to all. She has worked on or lead teams in the design of several libraries including the Fort Vancouver Community Library and the Renton Library.

Ruth Baleiko FAIA
Partner, The Miller Hull Partnership
As a Partner and design leader at Miller Hull, Ruth Baleiko has a portfolio of national award-winning library projects of all types and is often invited to speak nationally regarding library design trends and planning strategies. Ruth has worked on numerous learning-based facilities with clients that include the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District, the City of Lewiston, King County Library System, and the Seattle Public Libraries.