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| The Samuel Pierce Branch of the Bucks County Free Library is located at 491 Arthur Avenue in Menlo Park. The structure of the Pierce Library is a major part of the library itself. The modern structure of the building is something that makes the library so popular among Perkasie citizens. When they come to the library they are guaranteed to have a pleasant time. Unlike most old libraries, the glass wall gives this library an outdoor feel that is very unique. |
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| The Samuel Pierce Branch of the Bucks County Free Library is located next to Menlo Pool in Menlo Park. It was built in 1988 where the Menlo Park casino building was formerly located. The modern exterior structure includes a series of roofs that echo each other and the walkway structure. | Patrons can park in the park, on the street, or across the street from the facility. The building is handicapped accessible. A sense of openness is created both on the interior and exterior of the building. The park and pool can be seen through the open walkway. |
There is limited open space surrounding the library for additions to the building. The need for additional space is already being felt. |
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| The open feeling of the building is created by the exposed roof trusses and glass windows that let the light shine in. | Utilities such as the air ducts (maroon in color) become sculptural elements in the interior design of the building. | An enclosed space for younger children brings the scale of the space down and gives a sense of comfort in the large open space of the main section of the library. |
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| Throughout the library there is plenty of light to use the book stacks (unlike the two previous locations of this library). | The reference section of the library is found near the entrance and across from the circulation desk. Both traditional book references and computer resources (including the Internet) can be used for research. | Unfortunately, because of the open wooden trusses the space for placing additional utilities such as electrical lines for computers is extremely limited. There is no available space to run additional wires without exposing them in the great open spaces. |
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| The open space also increases library noise. This makes the library very unique but on the other hand it makes it very different from the traditional, quiet library. | The library is very cheerful because of the light and the sense that one is in the park. | The building's design elements are repeated on both the inside and outside of the building. The open beams can also be seen from the exterior of the building. |
