THE HOME LIBRARY

"My library was dukedom large enough"
Prospero, The Tempest, William Shakespeare

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The Essence of a Home Library. A home library is one of the finer things in life. It is something that many people aspire to own, especially people with a scholarly bent or who have collected beautiful treasures that they would like to display. You can't judge a book by its cover, but you can judge a man by his library. What is your taste in books? What do you collect? What are you most proud of? If your neighbor knows those things, then he knows the finest things about you. A library can be the most exciting space in your home, but it can also be where you are most comfortable. A home library can be grand, but still have a very human scale if it is designed with skill.

"The true universty of these days is a collection of books." Thomas Carlyle. "We selected Snowdon and Hopkins to design our dream home after interviewing nine other firms. We already had some ideas of what we wanted to do. Of all of them, Snowdon and Hopkins listened. They were interested in those ideas and took the time to understand how we would live in the house. We worked with Pam the entire time, no junior associate involved here. In the end, we got our dream house, not an architect's dream house. It turned out better than we had conceived and working with Pam was more fun than I can describe." Dawn Friedman, Homeowner

The Dedicated Home Library: Many home libraries are dedicated to a set of similar purposes, all quiet: A home library is used for scholarly pursuits. It is a study. It is where you can research an issue. It is where the kids can do their homework. It is where you surf the Internet, comparison shop, and tap into the power of Google. A home library is where a young man asks you for the hand of your daughter. One on one. A home library is where you showcase your finer pieces - crystal, china, silver, fine art, bronze busts, marble statues, globes, star maps, etc. A home library is used to hold your collections - books, manuscripts, CDs, maps, stamps, rare books, family photos, genealogical records, wine (yes... it can be used as a wine cellar!)

The Multi-Purpose Home Library: A home library can be used for many additional functions, some of them not so quiet: A home library could be used as a music room, for chamber music performances, to practise the piano, to listen to recordings. A home library could be used as a game room - for bridge games, carpet bowls, and for jig saw puzzles. A home library could be used as a home theater with large HD screen and fine surround sound. A home library could be used to entertain, as a meeting or presentation room. A home library is a wonderful space to hold a fund raiser. Some people are now putting in a multi-function home library instead of a formal living room. It does everything that a living room does, plus more. A home library is a wonderful space for the family.

Home Library Furnishings. Libraries are unusual in that their furnishings are often an integral part of the architectural design. On nearly all the libraries it designs, Snowdon & Hopkins also does the interior furnishings: Special storage cabinets may be needed to hold maps and blueprints, or to displace valuable books. Overstuffed chairs and couches, often in leather, make for easy reading or quiet discussions. Carrels, desks, display tables, and computer centers add dedicated spaces within your home library. Lighting systems. The interplay of natural light and artificial light is a key determinant in the success of a library. Snowdon & Hopkins has designed light fixtures, one design is now available in a catalog of lighting systems. Fireplaces bring a charming, cosy atmosphere.

Snowdon & Hopkins' Services.

Snowdon & Hopkins has extensive experience with libraries. We won the highest design award possible for libraries, the AIA/ALA Award of Merit. This is a national design competition sponsored jointly by the American Institute of Architects and the American Library Association every two years. Our entry was the unanimous choice of the jury members. We offer a complete range of services for clients who want to build a fine home library:

Architectural design. Snowdon & Hopkins will work with you to understand your vision for your home library, will articulate that vision in architectural terms, will usher the plans through the approval process, will advise on the selection of a contractor, and will observe construction.

Library consultant. Snowdon & Hopkins will provide library design consultations to other architects. Furnishings. Snowdon & Hopkins will design special pieces, cabinets, etc. and will work with you to select and purchase all the interior furnishings for your home library.

Collection acquisition. Snowdon & Hopkins works with a team of professionals and its team is able to help you acquire a fine collection, especially of books. Collection management. Snowdon & Hopkins' team is able to advise on software packages to help you cata- log your collection and manage it.

Gallery of Bookshelving/Display Cabinet Solutions: