Libraries

SFMI's design work for public libraries focuses on electronically enabling access to the resources of the library to the visiting patrons while library operations through provisioning the building with smart electronic systems. Our work includes design of the high-speed network cabling backbone, Wi-Fi distribution, voice and data network electronics as well as design of dynamic public meeting room and program space audiovisual systems complete with audiovisual control systems and a rich range of resources to support public presentations by public and professional presenter alike.

Digital signage systems are a popular means not only providing wayfinding within the library but also of exposing the public to events taking place within the library and within its supporting city. SFMI is also often asked to provision the building with multizone public address systems tied to automated digital message repeaters to aid in closing the library at the end of each day. Key to operations is an electronic security system that is used to aid the library staff in moving through the building, while interfacing to the book gate system to help ensure that rare resources and loaner laptops remain within the building.

SFMI's acoustics group works with the project architects to design quiet interiors, minimizing the impact of the building on the surrounding environment and optimizing the program rooms for presentation and public education.

Smith, Fause and McDonald is proud to have been a part of the project design teams that have developed and restored many of the public libraries in Northern California, including the following facilities:

Public Libraries

• City of Berkeley Main Public Library
• City of Berkeley Temporary Public Library
• City of Berkeley North Branch Public Library
• City of Berkeley South Branch Public Library
• City of Berkeley West Branch Public Library
• City of Berkeley Claremont Branch Library
• City of Burlingame Main Library, 1996 
• City of Burlingame Main Library, Millenium Plan
• City of Daly City, War Memorial Community Center & John Daly Library
• City of Elk Grove Main Library, 2006
• City of Elk Grove Main Library, 2023
• City of Fairfield-Cordelia Branch Library
• City of Lafayette Main Public Library and Community Center
• City of Milpitas Main Public Library
• City of Oakland 81st Street Branch Library
• City of Palo Alto Downtown Public Library
• City of Palo Alto Main Public Library
• City of Palo Alto Mitchell Park Library and Community Center
• City of San Pablo, San Pablo Library
• City of San Rafael, Pickleweed Library and Community Center
• City of San Francisco Main Library Post Opening Evaluation
• City of San Francisco Main Library Koret Auditorium Renovation
• City of San Francisco Main Library The Mix at Main
• City of San Francisco Branch Library Audiovisual Program
• City of San Francisco Ingleside Branch Library
• City of San Jose, Berryessa Branch Library
• City of San Leandro Main Public Library
• City of Santa Ana Main Public Library
• City of Santa Clara Main Public Library
• City of Santa Clara Temporary Public Library
• City of Spokane Downtown Library
• City of Spokane Indian Trail Library
• City of Spokane Libby
• City of Spokane Liberty Park Library
• City of Spokane Shadle Library
• City of Spokane South Hill Library
• City of Spokane The Hive
• City of Suisun Main Library
• City of Walnut Creek Main Library
• City of Yorba Linda Library and Community Center
• County of Alameda, San Lorenzo Library
• Las Vegas Summerlin Library

College and University Libraries

• U.C. Berkeley Law Library
• U.C. Davis Shields Library Addition
• U.C. Davis Shields Webster/Emerson Learning Resource Center
• U.C. Santa Cruz Farm Library
• U.C. Santa Cruz Cowell Library
• U.C. Santa Cruz Crown Library
• U.C. Santa Cruz Kresge College Library
• U.C. Santa Cruz McHenry Library
• U.C. Santa Cruz Science and Engineering Library
• U.C. Santa Cruz Stevenson Library
• Feather River College Learning Resource Center
• Foothill College Library and Learning Center
• Golden Gate University Law Library
• Merced College Learning Resource Center
• Solano Community College, Learning Resource Center