The 198,000 square foot facility has been designed to establish a major civic presence and community gathering space in the heart of the city’s redeveloped Seaholm district. A notable element of the library is its six-storey atrium space which would be designated as a collections and events space. Abundant natural light infiltrates the atrium, spilling onto screened outdoor reading porches that overlook Lady Bird Lake.
The library features a reading room, café, dedicated areas for children and teens, and a mix of lively and contemplative spaces that support imaginative programming. These include a 350-seat event forum for presentations and performance; display and demonstration areas; community meeting rooms of varying sizes; and collections displays that encourage discovery. A‘Recycled Reads’ bookstore is also featured.
The library is targeting LEED Silver certification. Its sustainable strategies include a major photovoltaic panel array, which will generate electrical power for the building; a rainwater harvesting system that will provide water for landscape irrigation and restroom plumbing fixtures; and a landscaped roof. The facility supports alternative transportation, with charging stations for electric cars; a 150-bike corral, and direct links to the multi-use paths that run along the water.
The library is scheduled for completion in 2016.
