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West Des Moines Public Library

 

The library of the future will be less about what it has, and more about what it does.

Libraries have evolved significantly over the last 40 years. In that time, we have designed more than 50 libraries across the country. While some may question the relevancy of libraries in today’s digital age, we have seen first-hand that these most public of all institutions are still critical to a community’s well-being. Built on the foundation of access to knowledge for all regardless of creed, birth, economy, or education, libraries are a great equalizer. Whereas libraries of our recent past were about content consumption, today’s libraries are more intent on content creation. Communities have brought libraries back to life by embracing their communal spaces to create, make, examine, imagine, compose, and propose new ideas. A library is a fixed built environment, yet every visit, every interaction offers a distinctive experience. When a library melds the legacy of its past with the possibilities of the future, it is both familiar and comfortable, yet novel and inspiring. Libraries of today are anything but a tired, empty shell for books. They are community catalysts.

We would love the opportunity to work together to bring your project to life.

Danielle Hermann, AIA
Principal
OPN Architects, Des Moines

  • Regionally proven, local design team
    102 designers in four studios
  • Dedicated & passionate library specialists
    50+ communities served
  • Committed firm leadership
    More than 20 years designing libraries
  • Relationship driven
    30% of our work is with civic & library clients

Working with us

We love what we do
We love what we do

Giving Back
Giving Back

Library Experts
Library Experts

What you can expect from us

  • an ego-free & respectful, collaborative spirit

  • local expertise with boots on the ground

  • true partners from project beginning to end

Your team of experts

Danielle Hermann Principal
OPN Des Moines
Wesley Reynolds Principal
OPN Madison
Toby Olsen Associate Principal & Library Practice Leader
OPN Cedar Rapids
Joseph Feldmann Associate Principal
OPN Des Moines

Pinney Library

The renovated Pinney Library offers be a warm, welcoming environment that promotes literacy through play. The inclusive design uses natural materials and light to create an immediate sense of warmth and connect with many cultures represented by Pinney’s diverse neighbors.

Learn More

Our Work

Our Portfolio
Waunakee Public Library
Carroll Public Library
Castle Rock Public Library

What we're saying

Insights
Library Journal features three OPN libraries
Insights
New Pinney Library branch features many firsts for Madison Public Library system
Insights
Project of the Year: Waunakee Public Library
Insights
2 OPN-designed projects awarded for Excellence in Energy Efficient Design
Insights
Joplin Public Library honored with AIA Public Design Award

What our clients are saying

OPN has been a tremendous asset to work with. They truly are invested in learning and understanding your library history, how your team operates, and how you want your future library space to function. OPN has been a tremendous resource—they study and know how a 21st library should operate, they have built a plethora of librarian contacts and resources over the last 20 years that they have been able to connect me with, so I am able to make educated decisions on our future library space. Rachel Van Erdewyk, Director, Carroll Public Library

Get in touch

Danielle Hermann, Principal