New East Roswell Library Celebrates Nature
In a public celebration, the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System joined Ajax Building Corporation in opening the doors to the new $4.9 million East Roswell Library on Friday, February 20.
Situated amongst a canopy of trees, the 17,000-square-foot-facility was designed to merge with its natural wooded surroundings while meeting future needs of library patrons in this suburban Atlanta community.
“I love that it looks like a giant tree house with books,” commented one Facebook friend.
KHAFRA Engineering Consultants, in association with Holzheimer Bolek Meehan Architects, provided design and engineering services. Ajax provided construction management services and Heery/Russell, a joint venture, is the program management team.
The use of natural materials such as stone and wood combined with the large expanses of glass filter the boundary between the exterior and interior spaces of the library while providing views to patrons looking out from within the building.
A welcoming covered bridge entry leads visitors into the space where they are immediately presented with views through the building and into the natural landscape beyond.
The community, which had been lobbying for a branch of their own since 2002, will enjoy and use its meeting room, study rooms and separate spaces for children and teens.
An important part of the new library is its public art project. Through the Fulton County Art in Public Places Resolution, 1% of the building project budget goes toward the creation of public art. Artist Chris Condon was selected through a community-driven selection process, and has produced a series of wood and stone sculptures of woodland animals visitors will see throughout the library entitled, New Growth Forest.