The original Turlock Library was built in 1968, for an anticipated population of 30,000. However, it is outdated and undersized, without the ability to provide modern service needs to the city’s current population of 72,000. The facility had no dedicated meeting rooms or space for library programs, such as children’s story times and informational presentations for consumers.
The project included a complete renovation of the current library and an expansion, which increased the size of the library from 10,000 square feet to 16,530 square feet. The building expansion is designed to respond to and enhance the history of the building and fit well within the park-like setting of the site.
The interior makes use of bold colors helping create a vibrant interior that remains comfortable and playful. The wall colors & carpet are designed to help guide library patrons through the facility and give each area its own distinct character. A custom learning tree feature with integrated seating was designed and installed in the children’s area to add whimsy and relate back to the surrounding park. All decisions on the interior design were made thoughtfully to relate to the community of Turlock and provide a space for patrons to create memorable moments that will last a lifetime.
The new library includes a community room for library programs and public meetings, an expanded children’s library with adjacent children’s garden, an improved teen area, space for Turlock Friends of the Library, a maker’s space, and a quiet reading room. Study rooms and an enclosed courtyard will provide additional flexibility for the community to use for the new and updated facility.
