The Monroe County Public Library is one of the busiest libraries
in the state of Indiana. The existing building was constructed in
1972 utilizing an automated retrieval system, which ultimately needed
to be replaced. With heavy usage by the community, the library was
quickly outgrown, but yet restrained to a downtown site.
The library provides a variety of unique services including a well-developed
adult literacy program and a studio and distribution for a cable
accessed television station. After several months of study, it was
decided that the new addition should be a two story building housing
approximately 100,000 square feet of new floor area. This new addition
would be planned for a two story future expansion.
The exterior of the building was designed with limestone and glass
in a contemporary style to blend in with the existing building and
provide large open areas to allow natural light to penetrate deep
into the large floor area. In addition to the large windows, there
is a skylight over a central atrium area that provides a central
organizing space within this large facility. Every effort has been
made to make this building one of the most flexible and easily changeable
libraries possible, including such items as cable trays and easily
accessible ceilings for wiring modifications.
The Monroe County Public Library is one of the busiest libraries
in the state of Indiana. The existing building was constructed in
1972 utilizing an automated retrieval system, which ultimately needed
to be replaced. With heavy usage by the community, the library was
quickly outgrown, but yet restrained to a downtown site.
