Evelyn H Parker Public Library

Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic value for its bold design in the city centre which is a landmark in the streetscape.
• The place contributes to the Subiaco community’s sense of place for its continuity of library services at this site since 1927.
• The place demonstrates the City of Subiaco’s commitment to the provision of free library services to the WA community following the passing of the library board act in 1951.
• The place has considerable significance for the Subiaco community as the library

Physical Description

Constructed in 1971 to the late 20th century international architectural style, the Subiaco City Library is an angular form, presenting with clear crisp lines in a series of cubes. Externally the building presents as double storey though most of the internal space is single storey in a double height void. The library is of steel frame construction with precast concrete panels, flat roof and aluminium framed windows and has altered little since its original construction.
The east elevation is the main face of the library, facing Rokeby Road and incorporating the feature entrance. The entrance comprises an ‘assertive’1 cantilever canopy which projects over the entrance and into the library and has been designed in the same cubist form as the remainder of the library.
The main section of the east elevation consists of two rows of windows: the lower level of windows are positioned at a high level, approximately halfway up the façade and forms a continuous glazed strip around the east elevation and consists of seven aluminium framed windows. The upper level windows are set back within deep reveals, consisting of five windows and do not extend along the full length of the elevation. The upper level also overhangs the lower levels.
To the north of the entrance, a third level has been added which forms part of the plant and machinery accommodation. Again this space follows the angular form of the building and is constructed from pre-cast concrete panels to three sides and louvered panel to the east elevation and has no roof.
Much of the east elevation is obscured from clear view due to the dense planting in front of the building. The two tall conifer trees near the entrance and tower above the library. The mature street trees along Rokeby Road also contribute to shielding the building from view and can be perceived as being an intrusive element as they eclipse much of the architectural form of the structure.
The south elevation is predominantly glass. The lower level consists mainly of full height windows with the upper level replicating the style of deep recessed openings seen on the east elevation. The south elevation overlooks the municipal gardens separating the library from the council offices.
The west elevation has been designed as a service elevation and presents in a more functional manner. The elevation follows the grain of the rest of the building, being angular in form, constructed from the same materials and continues the rhythm of the lower level windows. This section of the building differs from its corresponding eastern side being predominantly single storey. Ramped and stepped access leads to the staff door which is recessed into the wall thereby creating a sheltered entrance. The high level windows match the rhythm and form of those on the east elevation and extend the full length of the wall, enlivening what is otherwise a plain concrete wall. Towards the northern end of the west wall is a further plant room. This feature does not stand as tall as the plant room on the east side of the building but follows the same method of construction with precast concrete panelled walls and a louvered wall on the south elevation. Access into the space is by way of an up-and-over metal ladder.
The second storey element of the west elevation is set back behind the service room section of the library and follows the form of the east elevation with high level windows set within deep reveals and pre-cast concrete walls.
The north elevation comprises full height glazing panels to the ground floor with solid concrete panelling above (with no upper level windows to this elevation). Most of the north elevation projects out of the main part of the library building creating a prominent glass and concrete box.
Externally the Library building has been little altered. Changes include the insertion of emergency doors on the north elevation, to the west of the glass projection. A skillion canopy supported on slender metal columns has been constructed over the doors and projecting over an area of paving creating a small courtyard enclosed by railings. To the east elevation green wall has been created below the library name and council motif. When the building was originally constructed, the name “Subiaco City Library” was attached to the fascia of the entry canopy. Following the renaming of the library in 1990 to the “Evelyn Parker Library” the library name was moved and the council logo was added.

History

The construction of a new library in Subiaco in 1970-1971 followed a long tradition of the provision of library services in the Subiaco area. A small lending library, operating on a subscription basis, had operated in Subiaco from the council chambers on Rokeby Road built in 1898. In 1927, this ‘Subiaco Public Library’ was relocated to the former post office which was located on the site of the current library, on the corner of Bagot and Rokeby Roads.
An initiative in 1948 was the formation of a free children’s lending library at the Infant Health Clinic in Onslow Road and a similar service was opened in the ‘Subiaco Public Library’. In 1951, the Subiaco Children’s Free Library was opened in the Subiaco Public Library. This free service was a consequence of the Library Board Act which provided free library services throughout Western Australia. However it was not until the 1960s that the Subiaco Council seriously considered becoming a participating body in the scheme which would enable free membership to adult residents. Pressure on the council from residents and considerable coverage in the local press during the construction of the new council administration offices led to a council commitment to join the public libraries scheme, signed just days before the completion of the new offices. The new library scheme was a success with a fourfold increase in membership by 1969 and led to a commitment to the construction of a new library on the site by the Subiaco Council.
The new library building was designed by architects Silver Goldberg who were an accomplished and successful Perth based practice which later evolved into the national firm Silver Thomas Hanley. The building was constructed by Universal Constructions Pty Ltd and opened by the Governor General of Australia, Sir Paul Hasluck on 25 February 1971.
Spillman notes that the library was ‘undoubtedly the most aggressively modern building in the municipality’ with its white chip concrete finish and bold geometric form.
In 2002, the library underwent alterations and additions as a result of changing practices and requirements. The changes including the addition of a lift to the mezzanine level, conversion of the former entry and function room into the children’s library, air-conditioning and relocation of the staff offices to the mezzanine level. Also Included were two original artworks in the public rooms by artist Shaun Tan. On the occasion of the reopening of the library on 19 April 2002 it was dedicated in honour of Evelyn H Parker, former Mayor of Subiaco and the first woman Mayor in Western Australia.
Over the last two years a green wall, or vertical garden, has been established adjacent to the main entrance by local contractors Deep Green Landscaping. The City of Subiaco specified that the plants chosen should be native species. This requirement was fulfilled with the choice of native grasses Dianella, Lomandra and Ficinia, the attractive flowers of Hemiandra and Scaevola, and the contrasting grey-green foliage of Olearia and Eremophila. The garden is well established [2013] and continues to be well maintained by the City of Subiaco.

Integrity/Authenticity

The place has a high degree of integrity as it has undergone minimal change since its construction in 1971. The alterations that have taken place have not impacted upon its aesthetic values and the building still presents as it was originally designed.
The place has a high degree of authenticity as it continues to be used for its original purpose.

Uses

Creation Date

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Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.