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Monica Geran -- Interior Design, 6/1/2003 12:00:00 AM

For an example of family values, look no further than the Canton Public Library. This Michigan facility, built by the eponymous principal of David W. Osler Associates, Architects, in 1988, was recently expanded under the direction of the architect and his interior-designer daughter, Molly Elizabeth Osler. Her brother, architect Peter Lorch Osler, also took an active part in developing building plans and landscaping. (Third sibling Robin Elmslie Osler, also an architect, was involved in spirit only.)

Located in Canton Township, west of Detroit, the library has attracted a fast-growing readership as the area's census count went from 60,000 to 84,000. In response to this population explosion, the library launched an expansion campaign. The comprehensive renovation, which increased square footage from 31,500 to 54,500, included everything from a much-needed update of IT systems to the modernization of the parking lot.

Structural changes involved expansion of both adult's and children's facilities as well as the addition of a multimedia room. Meanwhile, the library board unreservedly approved Molly Elizabeth Osler's scheme to completely overhaul the interiors. The new layout is evenly divided between separate reading spaces—for both adults and children—and shared backup functions.

Just beyond the entry, members check out and return books at a maple-veneered circulation desk with transaction counters of polished blue-pearl granite. Ahead, the reference center sits beneath a coffered ceiling; vinyl-wrapped support columns simulate shiny stainless steel. The locations of circulation and reference, at the floor plate's midpoint, allow librarians to consolidate their activities.

To the left, the main library comprises 18,100 linear feet of steel shelves with maple end panels. Custom reading tables combine painted-metal bases with maple-edged plastic-laminate tops, as do two computer counters where readers can locate books at the library and neighboring branches. Reading tables' tops also feature painted-metal flaps concealing plugs for laptops.

The children's domain, to the right of the main entrance, is nothing less than an enchanting fairy tale. Attractions start at the entry, where three differently sized and shaped doors fit the growing heights and widths of young patrons. Inside are toddlers' crawling spaces, young technocrats' computer niches lined in hand-painted cotton, and even a castle under a pyramidal skylight—all with the wildest graphics and the brightest colors imaginable. Adding to the lively mix are custom tone-on-tone blue carpet interwoven with letters and ceramic wall tiles embellished with drawings done by local children.

More serious-minded furniture has its place, too. Molly Osler chose some 150 pieces of Alvar Aalto seating—bentwood lounges and webbed 611 chairs—and mixed them with custom designs. Throughout the children's area, eight double-wide armchairs, almost 4 feet across, accommodate one full-size parent and one pint-size youngster. Talk about family.

From top: At the Canton Public Library outside Detroit, custom maple bookcases feature acrylic shields. In the main library, both computer tables offer eight flat-screen monitors; flooring is thermo-finished granite. Alvar Aalto's webbed beechwood 611 chairs and customized Tolomeo lamps accompany a custom reading table. Aalto's bentwood lounge.

From top: Double-width custom armchairs in reading alcoves seat one parent and one child; lettered carpet squares are set into the custom lettered carpet. Entries of different heights and widths lead to the children's library. In the story room, ceramic wall tiles feature locally produced drawings. Hand-painted cotton lines children's computer niches.

Signage (new books area): ASI-Modulex. Spotlights: Bruck Lighting Systems. Custom table lamps (main library): Artemide. Webbed chairs: Herman Miller. Custom-tabletop laminate: Abet. Table bases: Hosford & Co. Custom bookcases: Montel. Custom armchair upholstery (children's area): Donghia furniture/textiles. Floor tile: Forbo Linoleum. Computer-niche fabric: Osborne & Little. Custom carpet: Shaw Contract; Solutia (fiber). Millwork: Iannuzzi Millwork. Children's-area project manager: Canton Project Arts. General contractor: Frank Rewold & Son.