DESIGN TREND  Delightful Respite

While peaceful nooks for concentrating, enjoying the scenery, or getting work done are now standards for library design, these libraries feature unique and inspiring spaces within spaces that create a whole new experience within the library for their communities. 

Deer Park Branch, Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library, Cincinnati, OH. Bold blue carpeting, walls, and furniture highlight two multi-purpose rooms within the interior floor of the Deer Park Branch.  CREDITS GBBN, architect; Ryan Kurtz, photo.

Adam Street Branch, Brooklyn Public Library, NY. A futuristic, funky children’s space creates a window into the rest of the library and a unique area for children’s imaginations to run free with bright orange carpeting and rich wood paneling.  CREDITS HBM Architects, architect; Gregg Richards, photo.

Flint Public Library, MI. Floating glassed-in rooms suspend above the main stairwell, offering a destination within the library in which to work that stays connected to the interior and the exterior of the building. CREDITS OPN Architects, architect; ©OPN Architects, Inc., photo.

 Conyers-Rockdale Library System, Conyers, GA. Layers of open space, designated as distinct by suspended acoustic ceiling panels, furniture, and color, offer a variety of options for activities that can take place side-by-side.  CREDITS McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, architect; photo ©2021 Firewater Photography.

 Norcross Library, Gwinnett Public Library, Norcross, GA. Highlighted in blue paint, carpeting, and furniture, three booths with built-in power stand out as a landing spot for individuals or pairs.  CREDITS CAS Architecture, architect; Gary Gomez Photography, photo.