Bailey Howe Library - Circulation Desk

The circulation desk at the UVM Bailey Howe Library was in need of updating. Over the summer the space the circulation desk resides in was renovated to bring more attention to the location and to make a better work area. After the space was completed the library placed a salvaged portion of the previous oak butcher block desk as a temporary placeholder for a new desk.

Circulation desk – Circa 1980 (partly hiding behind the huge column enclosure).

Salvaged circulation desk in improved area.

The desk is a testament to collaboration. The concept for the desk was created by SAS Architects with the surrounding area designed to compliment it. After design development the desk design was turned over to Beeken Parsons for detailing and construction. The selection of the wood (Eastern Hop Hornbeam) was selected by BP for its strength and durability. It is a local wood that a few area loggers know Beeken Parsons likes to use so they set them aside for them. Our very own Mona Boutin’s husband Leo did some of the sawing of the material used for this desk.

Link to Hop Hornbeam…
http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_osvi.pdf

The desk is topped with a 2” thick honed finished Vermont slate (Heathermoor). Anita at A&N Stoneworks coordinated the stone and was the installer.

Vermont Slate (Heathermoor).

There were many goals for the desk. Functionality, visibility, circulation (people and books), durability and beauty, to name a few. All this plus keep it in Vermont! The designers, fabricators, wood, stone, metal and wood finish all came from Vermont.

The next part of this project is to create a plaque or interactive display that acknowledges the origins of the desk. Stay tuned!

Desk during installation.

 -Stephanie

Link to Beeken Parsons: http://www.beekenparsons.com/