Library Buildings around the World

The collection and seating areas are now equally divided between the historic portion of the building and the 1984 addition. The
challenge of unifying the original and added portions of the building was perhaps the greatest difficulty faced by the design team.
This was addressed by creating a new opening between the two building halves on the main level and simplifying vertical circulation.
Two solutions that have dramatically increased the feeling of connection and improved patron circulation and way-finding. An
historic central staircase that was removed in the 1984 remodel was reconstructed and reinstalled, restoring the original character.
The rotunda in the historic lobby acts as a unifying, signature feature that creates a dramatic “sense of arrival.” Taking cues from
the rotunda, a round form is introduced as an arrival feature in both the Children’s Area and the Teen Area. In the Children’s Area,
this custom built seating area becomes the heart of the space, while in the Teen Area, this contemporary rotunda-like feature
signifies the entrance to the area and acts as a threshold or buffer between this age group and other patrons.
In addition to the final design and project management, OPN completed the pre-funding phase of planning and developed a
presentation package of drawings and illustrations that were used by the library board for capital campaign fundraising.
“ I am proud we had the foresight to choose your firm as our architects. I’ll always be grateful for the chance I had to be a part of
helping to bring your inspiring vision for our library to the citizens of Dubuque. ”
- Susan F. Lindsay, Former Board of Trustees Member, Carnegie-Stout Public Library (OPN)
Washington Free Public Library, Washington IA – USA 2009
Sqf. 30.000, $ 5.000.000
OPN Architect’s design for the Washington’s Free Public Library placed the library in a new building, replacing three vacant
storefronts, and will serve as a catalyst for future downtown development.
The library occupies portions of three levels with approximately 10,000 sf per floor. Meeting rooms, the reference and adult nonfiction
collections and an adult reading lounge overlooking the town square are located on the upper floor. The main level features
the children’s collection, circulation services, popular materials, another reading lounge, and the adult fiction collection. The local
genealogy collection and future library expansion areas are located on the lower level.
An open stairway and elevator link the three floors; as does an opening in the upper level floor which visually connects that floor
with the main level. Natural light is brought into the library through glass storefronts and a skylight located above the opening in the
upper floor.
Sustainable Design Features:
•Recycled and salvaged as much interior structure as possible, including three stories of hardwood floors.
•Exploring geothermal systems for energy
•Daylight Harvesting: by utilizing the orientation o the site, maximize the amount of light available while minimizing the amount of
artificial lighting.
•Responsible use of sustainable and renewable building materials
•Maximizing indoor air quality by using low VOC emitting products and finish. (OPN)
Fort Madison Public Library, Fort Madison, IA – USA 2007
Sqf. 16.000, $ 1.832.000
In 2007, OPN assisted the town of Fort Madison in locating and designing a new home for their public library. The former Valley
Clinic building was converted into to a welcoming and functional space for the Fort Madison Public Library. The existing building
was renovated and an addition of approximately 2,000 square feet created to provide 16,000 sf of finished library space. One of the
challenges of the design was that the original ceiling heights were too low to accommodate the height of library book stacks and
suspended indirect lighting. The entire roof structure was removed and a portion of it was raised between six and eight feet in order
to accommodate the necessary elements. A new radiant entrance was added to the front of the building providing a sense of place in
keeping with the civic importance of the structure.
Sustainability Features:
Adaptive reuse of an existing structure reduced waste Cool Roof membrane to avoid heat-island effect Low E glazing on glass for
improved energy efficiency Light shelves and advanced daylighting techniques including sun screens Indoor chemical and pollutant
controls for improved indoor air quality Recycled cellulose and denim based building insulation Water conserving fixtures in
bathrooms and public spaces Upgraded HVAC uses water source heat pump Site provides bike racks and easy access to public
transportation (OPN)
Marengo Public Library, Marengo, IA – USA 2007
Sqf. 12.570, $ 1.540.000
The Marengo Public Library, one of the State’s original Carnegie libraries, served the community for almost 100 years with little
change to its functional layout. Recognizing that the facility needed to be modernized to accommodate new uses, OPN Architects was
selected to reprogram the existing Carnegie and to design a two-story addition. The new addition provides a much needed increase
in collection space, staff areas, and seating, while also providing a new public meeting room, genealogy space, and room for
children’s programming.
The design team set out to meet the programmatic requirements while maintaining the historic integrity of the building.Before
beginning the design process, the team analyzed the existing facility to determine the proportioning system used by the original
architect. The team then applied the rules of the original building to design the addition creating a seamless aesthetic between the
two buildings.
A new on-grade entrance leads to a dramatic two-story lobby that provides access to both levels via a stair or elevator. All library
functions are located on the upper floor, allowing for ease of supervision from the staff area. The lower level, containing the public
meeting room, genealogy, and children’s program space, is accessible after-hours, while maintaining the security of the library. A
complete new mechanical and electrical system was also part of the project. (OPN)
Kirkwood Benton Hall Library, Cedar Rapids IA – USA 2007
Sqf. 16.800, $ 1.480.000
Kirkwood Community College initiated a remodeling of the central library following the successful issue of a $27 million bond for
capital improvements. The library’s original character and furnishings, circa 1973, were still in place and in declining use. The
outdated finish palette and well-worn furnishings portrayed a “tired” environment, and student usage had been declining.
OPN Architects worked with users to develop a new cosmetic that combined freshness, durability, and aesthetic longevity.
Operational areas were renovated to support current technologies and processes. The overall layout was modified to promote a
“friendly” attitude, and reinforce a message of customer service.
Mechanical systems were improved to increase fresh air ventilation and the lighting system was redesigned to brighten the space.
The furnishings were replaced in their entirety, using two-tone wood accents and durable fabrics.
The project was executed in phases and while maintaining library operations.
Project Objectives:
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