The Outdoor Library: The renovation and expansion of Anythink Perl Mack created a front porch and transformed an adjacent empty lot into a community garden. The library is heated and cooled by geothermal exchange wells under the parking lot, and the existing roof was updated to support a future solar photovoltaic array.
The Outdoor Library: The new Dubois Library includes two reading patios for use during warm-weather months. Other library features include a children’s area, genealogy room, meeting space, and computer area, an especially important amenity in a locality where most households do not have access to high-speed internet.
The Outdoor Library: The Garfield Park Branch is located adjacent to one of the city’s parks. The library itself encourages alternative transportation with a new bike rack and electric vehicle charging stations. It also includes a storytelling garden of native plants with a gathering circle made of pervious paving, rain barrels, and a composting area.
The Outdoor Library: The Ferdinand Library serves as an after-school hub for four area schools. Outside the children’s books and activity room is a reading patio. Construction incorporated a geothermal HVAC system, controllable lighting, construction-waste management, and low-VOC-emitting finishes.
The Outdoor Library: Wylie’s new public library building features both a large courtyard and a back porch where patrons can relax. Inside, a clerestory spine allows light to permeate the facility while delineating the various library zones.
