The initial design concept of Jack Russell Memorial Library provides a two-story facility that is oriented on the site to provide views to the adjacent mill pond park, augment downtown parking, and maximize natural day lighting while controlling solar heat gain. Popular collections and children’s areas are located on the first floor while non-fiction, reference, and other typically quiet functions are clustered on the second floor.
Two innovative spaces within the library, a “History Exploratorium” and a “Learning Lounge” will provide immersive and interactive experiences that introduce patrons to the history of the Hartford area and the opportunity to learn about the wealth of library services.