KANAWHA COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Charleston, West Virginia

Type: New Construction

Size:144,000 square feet

Cost: $40,000,000

Completed: Estimated 2010

This is a new main library for the state capital of West Virginia. Viewed as a 'once-a-century' building, it will be the first building in the KCPL Library's 95 year history to actually be designed to house a library. In ways, it will serve as the state library, in addition to, the main library for Charleston.

With its unique shape on the skyline it becomes a landmark and contributes to the downtown revitalization effort. The new building exudes a sense of permanence through the use of limestone and granite materials.

The building's site placement and space organization integrates with the natural pedestrian flow from the downtown to the new Clay Center for Arts and Science facility adjacent to library. To facilitate this existing circulation pattern an interior pedestrian street dividing the library into East and West wings was designed. This space helps patrons orient themselves in the library as well as attract people gathering for civic events.

The community of Charleston will gain 70 more computer stations, an interactive preschool exploration center, a children's programming area, a career center, a climate-controlled West Virginia Room, and versatile meeting spaces. With the new library, the amount of patrons is expected to double from 40,000 to 80,000 served on a monthly basis.