The library is spread over 20,300 square feet and lies adjacent to the 20-acre Shasta Community Park next to Cosumnes River College. The library project received $18 million through the Sacramento City Community Reinvestment Capital Improvement Program.
The library replaced the Valley Hi-North Laguna Library, which was smaller in size. A large main collection has been included in the library, which features naturally lit interiors. A teen room, a computer lab, and 100 person community room has also been included in the library. The library is energy-efficient, and displays optimum orientation of mechanical systems to obtain proper day lighting and energy efficiency. The tilt-up concrete construction of the library is said to minimize the effect of temperature fluctuations.
Tower artist Stephanie Taylor created a suspension art piece with blue butterflies titled ‘Migration’, to accentuate the story time area for kids called the Kids’ Place. The art piece features butterflies that flutter when the air-conditioning is switched on. Migration displays a cocoon like design cylindrical in shape and inspired by the butterfly design. It develops the concept of transformation through education, among other transformations, including the transformation of butterflies.
The library also features a new food court, and has also been awarded LEED certification for design. Christopher Noll, AIA, was the main designer of the new library, while Jeff Day and Project Architect Matthew Wadlund were the project managers.
