Project Name: Spokane Valley Library

Project Statement: This vibrant, contemporary library in a park is the cornerstone of a developing civic campus completed in partnership with the Spokane County Library District. It is the result of a long-term planning process, grant sourcing and the development of a master plan for eventual expansion of Balfour Park that started over a decade ago. Focused on celebrating children's programming and providing its patrons with highly requested gathering spaces, resources and amenities, this library branch is poised to serve its community for many years to come.

After 50 years of operating in an outdated and inefficient building, the district recognized the need to replace their main branch. The existing branch lacked the space needed for meetings, collaboration and was no longer able to support the popular children’s programs. A series of design team-led workshops identified patron requests for streamlined operations and expanded services including space for connection, collaboration, and creation. These goals supported the need for a full replacement of the district’s most patronized branch and provide the community with it’s first 21st century library facility. The property across the street from Spokane Valley City Hall sat on the edge of a future city park and locating the new library branch to this prominent location strengthened the developing city core and anchored the park as a multifaceted community asset.

Rooted in Spokane Valley’s rural and agricultural history, the library’s design emphasizes the use of everyday materials in innovative ways. The simplicity, functionality, and durability of metal panel and CMU will provide the district with a low maintenance building that reflects the hardworking community in which it resides. Orienting the building to the north allows for ample daylight and views to the future park, prioritizing the indoor-outdoor connections for users. A marketplace welcomes patrons with a flexible, dynamic space with curated materials, library computers, and staff interaction. The program room accommodates over 200 people, with transparent design for visibility and connectivity with the rest of the building. An operable wall allows for the space to be divided, simultaneously accommodating children’s programs and community meeting space. A studio is available for audio and video content creation, while the Children’s Area, Teen Space, and group study rooms meet the requests of the community for meeting space and a robust collection of resources.

The modest budget prompted the design team to think creatively about use of material and color. Utilizing exterior material as interior finish was not only a cost saving measure but strengthened the indoor/ outdoor connection and provided durable, low-maintenance surfaces. The metal panel was complimented by stained birch plywood introducing vibrancy and whimsy in the children's area. The exposed wood structure provides visual warmth and variety and maximizes the north light exposure.
The simple building parti separates the staff work area from the collections floor and zones the adult, teen and children's areas. The program room mass is a lower scaled volume 'plugged-in' to the larger volume helping to articulate the front door and provide a human scaled element at both the interior and exterior.

Targeting LEED Silver Certification, the design incorporates goals from the AIA Framework for Design Excellence, focusing on energy efficiency, resource optimization, minimal environmental impact, and community engagement. The new Spokane Valley Library is a multifunctional community hub, reflecting the area’s resourceful culture and enhancing the quality of community life through public engagement, thoughtful design, and sustainable practices.