The revitalization and addition to Glen Lake Community Library invites locals and vacationers to engage in the northern lakeside downtown of Empire. This community library is designed to adapt to the dramatic changes in season by pulling patrons outside in the warmer months and providing space for community gathering in the winter.
The original 3,400 square foot building has gone through various eras of construction. It was first a repurposed fire station, and then a small street front addition and a larger back addition were both added to the building. When driving down the street, many assumed the library was just another residence. During the expansion, the design team focused on making one unified building.
The scale of the addition raises the street presence of the library, allowing people to recognize it as a civic building while fitting in with the residential downtown street. To achieve this goal, the design team focused on reinterpreting the residential scale and form with oversized windows, protected entry, public plaza, and ribbed batten siding.
The front of the existing building was removed and a new youth area was constructed with a gabled façade and large windows. The larger addition houses the adult collection, study tables, fireplace, and relaxed reading area. The remaining existing building was renovated to create a large program room, improved staff areas, group meeting room, and accessible public restrooms.
During the summer, the area experiences an influx of semi- permanent residents and seasonal visitors. This shift in population dramatically changes how much the library is utilized throughout the year. The design accommodates this change by providing a generous outdoor plaza and back gardens where visitors can enjoy nature.
Library Director: David Diller
Architect: Quinn Evans
MEP & Structural Engineers: GMB
Contractor: Hallmark Construction
Photographer: Justin Maconochie