The Farmville Public Library began as an extensive addition and renovation. However, after the discovery of significant structural degradation, the Town expanded the project scope to a full building replacement, with a life cycle cost analysis proving the long-term viability of such an investment. Following a series of community engagement meetings & town council presentations, public concerns about the undertaking shifted to overwhelming excitement for the project. The response would require a precise balance of building program, outdoor gathering space, modern interior space and a classically composed exterior to fit the surrounding context. As designed, the 17,000sf, 2-story facility features a variety of meeting rooms, flex assembly, genealogy, maker space, offices, and open reading & congregation spaces, both indoor and out. Additionally, the southern portion of the first floor is designed as a secure after-hours event center for use by the whole community.
This project has been community driven from the beginning. Working closely with the Library Director and Town Manager, a vision and program was established, while the Library Board was instrumental in discussions of experience, functionality and material selection. To meet community expectations of a context-appropriate exterior, meticulous studies of the adjacent buildings lead to an approach which combined two traditional facade sensibilities at the intersecting corner lot. A pair of interlocking masonry volumes, tied together with a glass circulation bar, form the organizational parti. Front and rear courtyards are secured with a perimeter seat wall, while continuous glazing at the first floor allows visual connectivity between these exterior spaces and the building interior. The interiors are tailored to their respective use-group: airy & modern adult areas, a whimsical children’s area, and a genealogy room that showcases the town history.
As the project was born of structural inadequacy, construction longevity was key. Beginning with site preparation, the building pad was undercut by three feet to remove historic construction rubble. The new library is entirely steel frame with metal wall framing, spray insulation and a combination of red brick and oversized cast stone veneer. Roof construction uses both low-slope membrane and standing seam metal. Durability extends to interior finishes with oversized natural slate floors at high traffic lobby areas. Interior glazing at meeting rooms and railings allows clear line-of-sight for security, and windows are equipped with motorized shades to minimize afternoon sun exposure. Finally, a split DX HVAC system and LED lighting is used throughout the facility to help achieve the town’s energy efficiency goals.
