Library Journal features three OPN libraries

The pandemic closed many library’s doors this year, including two designed by OPN within days or weeks of opening for the first time.

Despite these challenging times, we’re excited to see three of our projects featured in this year’s Library Journal Year in Architecture.

The Waunakee Public Library in Wisconsin is organized on an “X” axis, representing the intersection of the library and community hall. The new 40,000 square foot building uses wood-clad ceiling, trim, and shelving and graphics to reinforce continuity across its versatile programming spaces. The playful graphics appear in a custom wall-mounted display and sound panels in the children’s areas and as a translucent applique to glassed-in study and meeting rooms.

At the Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library in Iowa crisp white walls and subtle wood accents on stairwells, drop ceiling features, and endcapped shelving join light brown, gray, and cool teal to frame vignettes, like the vibrant children’s area. An enclave of sculptural vibrant blue, gray, and green felted ceiling panels hang above a play area with rounded poufs, built-in displays and bookshelves, and playful cutouts.

The Carroll Public Library is a two-story facility with an all-glass lobby and spaces designed for the community, not just the collection. A focal point of the expanded lobby is a social stair, which can be used for casual gatherings or offers theatre seating for up to 50 people for events, concerts, and movies, with the landing at the bottom of the staircase doubling as a stage. Other event and community spaces include a makerspace, meeting room, and technology area. Collection spaces include separate areas for children, adults, and teens.

We were also excited to celebrate openings with Hedberg Public Library and Pinney Library (Madison Public Library) in Wisconsin and Lawrence County Public Library in Kentucky this year.