Jack Russell Memorial Library

The building design was influenced by its mill pond site.  A study in millpond vernacular architecture led to a massing expressed in a variety of combined forms and rooflines.  The form of the building was also influenced by daylighting strategies.  The east and south facing glass entry allows abundant daylight to create a bright, uplifting environment appropriate for an entry lobby.  A north facing clerestory window runs the length of the east west oriented building bathing much of the stacks and reading areas in diffuse, glare free lighting as desired in a library. 

Upon entering the two story lobby, exposed wood columns and decking sets the tone for the interior and recalls turn of the century industrial architecture.  Copper leaf clad pendant lighting adds a modern touch and references the mill pond park setting.  The rich wood tone of the ceiling and the warmth of the copper are repeated throughout the building in custom casework, shelving end panels, and signage.        

Interior spaces are tailored to meet the needs of users and accommodate library programs.   A large Community Room is outfitted with flexible furnishings that allow the room to be set up lecture or classroom style, while a group reading room can be used for smaller meetings. A History Exploratorium provides ample filing and custom built-ins for document storage and display and is set up with worktables to accommodate researchers. In the children’s area, a story time room complete with sliding door and “boxcar” entry provides space for group storytelling and craft activities.  In the young adult area, task seating and lounge chairs are set on casters for ease of movement and reconfiguration.  A patio and two terraces with all weather lounge and café seating provide additional areas to enjoy the mill pond view and gather outdoors.        

Sustainability played a major role in the design of the library.  From the upper level overlook, a green roof over the single story administration area is visible providing visual interest and improved storm water management.  Water retention is also provided in a slow release holding area under a portion of the parking lot.  In addition to previously mentioned daylighting strategies, borrowed lights and reflective white tops to high book stacks help daylight penetrate deep into the building.  Renewable and durable materials were selected for flooring and work desk stations. The building envelope is designed for energy efficiency with insulation on the outside of the metal stud wall to eliminate thermal bridging.  A unique and innovative mechanical system using heating and cooling thermal storage and radiant heating and cooling terminal systems will provide a very high level of energy efficiency to the building.    

The Jack Russell Memorial Library designed as a community destination reflective of its context with unique and multi-functional spaces and a high level of energy efficiency and sustainable materials will not only meet the needs of the Harford community today but well into the future.