The Amos Memorial Public Library has been carefully designed to expand and improve its services, while adding and contributing to its historic, downtown fabric. The project added 17,000-square-feet and renovated 16,400-square-feet to the building. Like a retail storefront, the design extroverted the vibrancy of its interior programming to formulate its identity. Located on the edge of the town square, the warm brick and wood materials found on surrounding civic buildings influenced the addition’s exterior and continued into the interior environment.

Acting as a marketplace for patrons, a dynamic atrium space now serves as the heart of the building and connects the existing library to its addition. The dynamic circulation space serves dual functions for hosting large gatherings, serving as a secondary programming space, or a place to meet for book club. Expansive windows were introduced to flood the central core with natural light and frame a key view of the adjacent, historic church.

Each of the library’s departments has been designed to accommodate their unique functions, but connectedness and inclusivity tie the entire interior environment together. The project creates new children’s and young adult areas with increased comfort, natural light and a range of privacy options. Fluidity and flexibility were core design principals that were implemented, which allow Amos Memorial Library to stay adaptable as future needs change.