Library Buildings around the World

•Improve and update operational aspects
•Align space with student usage
•Aesthetically refresh space & furnishings
Project Constraints:
•Maintain library operations during project
•Overhaul, improve mechanical systems
•Maintain 44,000 sq. ft. two-story space
•Hypo-allergenic materials and methods throughout (OPN)
Monticello Public Library and Renaissance Center, Monticello IA – USA 2006
Sqf. 16.000, $ 3.600.000
The Monticello Public Library and Renaissance Center is a multipurpose building that sits adjacent to City Hall. In addition to the
library, the center features a new community meeting room which serves as the City Council Chambers and a Veteran’s Memorial
Hall.
The public library occupies the entire upper floor with an at-grade entrance on the side of the building facing Grand Avenue. The
entrance to the Veteran’s Memorial Hall and community meeting room / Council Chambers on the lower floor sits at sidewalk level
along First Street. The First Street facade features brick and limestone details. These materials echo the materials used on other
historic downtown buildings and help the new structure blend in. A recessed arcade with arched openings and projecting, suspended
canopies leads to the main entrance on the lower floor. Large windows on the upper level, as well as a centrally located “eyebrow”
dormer window introduce natural light into the library’s
interior. The building is capped by a colored standing seam metal roof and flanking brick chimneys.
Sustainable Design Features:
•Use of building materials that use recycled content
•Low VOC paints, adhesives and carpeting
•Low-E glass; daylight harvesting sensors
•Locally extracted and manufactured building materials
•State-of-the-art ventilation system that will provide a high level of indoor air quality
“ I also want to extend my appreciation to all for the design of our new library. It not only is a classical design but very functional.
When we started this process I expressed my concern that we have a building that would be architecturally pleasing. You achieved
that and more. This building is a wonderful addition to our downtown and something we can all be proud of.”
— Jon C. Husman, Building Committee Member (OPN)
Moline Public Library, Moline IL – USA 2006
Sqf. 72.710, $ 10.300.000
The library is two stories with an arrangement of the active collection areas, primarily the popular materials and children’s
collection, on the ground floor. The general adult collection, consisting of the reference, periodical, non-fiction, and fiction
collections, was located on the upper floor. The design concentrated the enclosed staff areas, conference space, and
mechanical/storage areas on the east side of the facility.
A large expanse of fenestration created transparency and opened the collection spaces to passing motorists to serve as a beacon and
highlighted the library and what it offered. The two-story library was constructed of brick with stone accents and a variety of
window openings. The size and scale of the window openings responded to the interior layout of the facility. The goal was to create a
variety of experiences within the library so that each patron could find their “favorite spot”.
A copper-clad entry form housed a coffee shop and public meeting areas. The facility was designed so that these areas were
accessible during non-library hours. The City of Moline now has a library that truly lives up to
it’s vision: Treasured Past, Vibrant Future.
Unique Aspects of the Design Process:
•Extensive community charrettes
•Explored multiple option for renovation vs. new construction including multiple site plans
•Provided furniture and fixture options and managed purchasing/installation
Sustainable Design Features:
•Ambient light sensors control interior light levels and lower energy use
•Interior materials choices favored recycled or low VOC products
•Exterior materials sourced from local suppliers (OPN)
Des Moines Public Library, East Side Branch, Des Moines, Iowa – USA 2006
Client: City of Des Maines, sqf. 13.000, $ 2.400.000
OPN Architects was selected by Des Moines Public Library Board of Trustees to design an addition and to renovate the East Side
Branch Library. The East Side Branch renovation was one component of the Des Moines Public Library’s $48 million capital
improvement plan. The dated facility was greatly in need of an update. OPN’s design added a new 100-seat community room,
entrance gallery, and landscaped entry walks. The interior layout was reorganized to improve way-finding and establish an
identifiable sense-of-place for the children’s and young adult areas. The result was a modern, functional and welcoming library for
the city’s east side.
Sustainability Highlights:
•Cool roof membrane to avoid heat island effect
•Maximizing indoor air quality by using low VOC emitting products and finishes
•Low E glazing on windows for improved energy efficiency
•Light shelves and advanced daylighting techniques for improved energy efficiency
•Indoor chemical and pollutant control improved indoor air quality
•Responsible use of sustainable and renewable building materials (OPN)
Anamosa Public Library and Learning Center, Anamosa, Iowa – USA 2004
Sqf 14.300, $ 1.450.000
In 1983, the historic Anamosa Library was listed as one of three Eastern Iowa libraries entered in the National Register of Historic
Places. The community cherished the historic building, but recognized the need for a larger, more accommodating library and
learning center. OPN Architects, Inc. worked with the community and library leadership to design a new 14,300 sf public library.
The design condensed the “hard-wall” space accommodating the program room, staff area, friends room, restrooms, and mechanical
in the south third of the building. This created a continuous, open space for the collection and seating areas. The service desk, located
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