awards
Celebrating excellence. Learn more about our recent awards for library planning and design.

view more
cybrary
Join our knowledge community. Visit the Cybrary for information on design trends and professional resources.

learn more
libraries

libraries

Ellis Reference and Information Center
Image

Challenges

  • Design a building that can accommodate growing circulation
  • Establish a teen area and space for story time
  • Give all patrons additional space for studying and socialization

Design Highlights

A $1.4 million renovation and expansion effort revitalized the 50-year-old library. A new teen area and a separate space for story time serve a variety of library programs. Community members now enjoy a small café, quadruple the number of public access computers, and several self checkout stations. In addition, a new reading room provides a scenic, light-filled place for reading, studying, and quiet reflection. The space features floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on the nearby River Raisin.

Project: Ellis Reference & Information Center
Client: Monroe County Library System
Location: Monroe, Michigan
Scope: 4,000 New SF
25,000 Renovated SF