Carbondale Branch Library FAQ

CARBONDALE LIBRARY FAQ

We have been hearing from Carbondale citizens about their desire to see a sustainable, highly energy efficient building built for their new library. Here is a list a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that may address your concerns. If you don't see what your question answered on this list, please email me at ashelley@gcpld.org or call me at 970-625-4270 so I can address your question.

1. Will you be pursuing LEED certification for this building?

We are not pursuing LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for this project. LEED is a checklist of energy features that can be followed for between $20,000 and $30,000 to cover the costs of certification. There are additional costs for consultants as well. Rather than spend that money on the certification process, we have chosen to build a LEED "inspired" building with an eye on the checklist and invest that money into sustainable elements.

2. If the building will not be LEED, will it have any environmental or energy efficient elements?

It is our policy that our buildings meet stringent standards of energy efficiency and performance. Following is a list of the various sustainable features we are designing into our new Carbondale facility. We have indicated the LEED categories in italics that sustainable elements would fall under if this were a LEED project. (Note: Overall energy modeling estimates this building will perform 30-45% better than ASHRAE (energy) standards, plus specific additional considerations as listed below)

Sustainable Sites
Infill Site
Storm water infiltration gardens
10% reduction in impervious surface
Bike storage/bike friendly
Light pollution reduction

Water Efficiency
Xeric landscaping
Raw water irrigation system
Dual flush low water toilets
Low water lavatory faucets

Energy and Atmosphere
Optimize energy performance
High performance low e glass – Solarban 70
Continuous building insulation
Sun control devices on the west clerestory windows and south overhangs
Thermally broken window frames
Building envelope designed for maximum insulation value (R-25 walls and R-49 roofs minimum) and minimum air infiltration
Reduction of exterior glazing
Lowering the ceiling height, reducing the cubic feet requiring conditioning
Efficient heating boilers and fan motors
Building Automation system
Interior light control (blinds) to reduce solar gain
Development of efficient lighting fixtures and lighting controls 
Thermal break between the building and the south sun shade steel overhang
IECC code compliant design
Energy Star rated appliances
Enhanced commissioning and energy modeling
Sun tempered - solar building orientation

Materials and Resources
Recycling containers for public and staff
Building material re-use, including beetle kill pine ceiling, recycled concrete pavers from the site, spruce tree benches
Responsible upholstery and non-toxic finishes on furnishings
Construction waste management and recycling
Local sourcing of materials

Indoor Environmental Quality
Low emitting materials – paints, carpets and upholstery
Controllability of systems – lighting, thermal comfort
Day-lighting
CO2 sensors to optimize indoor air quality

Innovation and Design Process
Community led site selection
(3) Community open house design sessions
Visits to local schools for student input on interior design (ongoing)
Regional competitions (call to artists) are planned to insure locally sourced/handcrafted metalwork, woodwork, embellishments, etc.
Continuous real-time energy monitoring

3. Are you putting solar panels on this library?

The Library District has pledged $30,000 of the budget for solar power on this facility and we are prepping the roof to support panels. We are pursuing grants for assistance with the cost of additional panels as well as seeking potential donors for $1000 to purchase 1Kwh of panels for the new library. Our goal is to get enough solar panels on this facility to allow us to be zero net which would allow us to be able to offset all of our electrical costs.

4. Why did you have to cut down the trees to the south of the building?

Regrettably, we had to remove five of the Blue Spruce trees on the south side of our building site to mitigate potential damage that could be caused by falling trees. This safety concern is a primary factor for the Library District’s decision. An arborist told us that these trees range in age from 30 to 80 years, and that 4 of the 5 considered for removal are in declining health. One of the trees in this row had already fallen on the old tennis courts (the building site), and we knew that the foundation work and replacement of power lines and the ditch piping would have ultimately resulted in the death of these trees. See the arborist's evaluation of these trees here. We are planting 32 new trees to offset this loss and create a new tree landscape for this new civic site.

5. How much is the budget for this project?

The construction budget for the Carbondale Branch Library is $4.3 million with an additional $500,000 set aside for soft costs such as design, testing, and engineering. We will be seeking private donations and grants to assist us with enhancements to the building such as public art and renewable elements.

6.  What ability does this building have for future expansion? Can it take a second floor at a later date?

The building is sized as an appropriate response to estimated population growth for the area for approximately the next 50 years and is being built to last. There is a little bit of room for expansion on the first floor, but not much. The size of libraries relative to population size is a bit of a moving target, but we believe 14,000 square feet is a size that will serve the community well as the library evolves. Libraries are not all about tall shelving, quiet signs and physical locations anymore. This building will serve as library, community center, information hub and social outlet for the community for years to come.

7.  Why are you going to change the name of the library from the Gordon Cooper?

As you may know, the Gordon Cooper name came from a request by his mother (who had moved to Carbondale to retire) to name the library after her son to commemorate his feat of being the second American astronaut to circumnavigate the earth in 1963. The name was carried over from that original town building to the current building when it was built in 1984 by the County. The Library Board of trustees has decided to call the new library the Carbondale Branch Library.

8.  How can I get involved?
Stop by the Gordon Cooper Branch Library to see the facility plans and ask about volunteer and donor opportunities. There will also be furniture “sit” tests and other activities to participate in as we get closer to opening.