Library Design Showcase 2012

Former ALA President Barbara Ford (second from right), director of the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, joins other Association past presidents at Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois.

The Shape of Things: Funky chairs and a high-arched entrance mark the teen section at Sterling Public Library.

Renovation and Expansion
Architect: Humphries Poli Architects, P.C.
Size: 16,000 sq. ft. total, 6,000 sq. ft. expansion
Cost: $2.5 million
Photos: Humphries Poli Architects, P.C.

The Shape of Things: Arches divide rooms at the North Branch.

Renovation and Expansion
Architect: Cheramie + Bruce
Size: 26,000 sq. ft. total, 12,000 sq. ft. expansion
Cost: $5.7 million
Photo: John R. Cornes

The Shape of Things: The Stephens Central Library occupies a former department store that stood vacant for 20 years. An undulating glass façade on street level invites passersby in.

The Shape of Things: The unique entrance to the South County Library children’s section has display space built in.

New Construction
Architect: HBM | Architects
Size: 54,000 sq. ft.
Cost: $18 million
Photo: David Hungate, Dominion Images Photography

The Shape of Things: Bright serpentine couches offer inviting rest and work spaces for students at the McHenry Library.

Renovation and Expansion
Architect: Boora Architects
Size: 273,962 sq. ft. total, 112,264 sq. ft. expansion
Cost: $100 million
Photo: Elise Herrera-Mahoney

The Shape of Things: A white ribbon of balcony fronts winds its way through several levels of the Surrey City Centre Library

New Construction
Architect: Bing Thom Architects
Size: 82,000 sq. ft.
Cost: $30 million
Photo: Surrey Libraries

The Shape of Things: The Patrick Heath Public Library features playful, transparent geometries with glass walls that provide a connection to nature.

New Construction
Architect: O’Neill Conrad Oppelt Architects, Inc.
Size: 30,000 sq. ft.
Cost: $5 million
Photo: Mark Menjivar

The Shape of Things: Large letters are built into the shelves at Kenai Community Library’s children’s section, providing nooks to store games and toys amidst the books.