I paid a recent unscheduled visit to the new Southglenn Library, a branch of the Arapahoe Library District. Hearing reports about the design of this library, I was interested to find out what was new, what was tried and what was true.
What greeted me was an open layout, a sense of airy space, and a notably clean view from one side of the library to the other.
Set upstairs in a building that is part of Centennial’s Southglenn shopping district, I expected to see the usual kind of design touches that today’s modern libraries offer. Small, non-intimidating service desk: check. Fireplace: check. Comfy chairs: check. Self checkout: check. 
I was pleasantly surprised to find minimal but effective signage, intuitive zones for patron traffic flow and patron activity, many areas for collaboration, rooms for programs and community gathering, as well a number of clever touches. Southglenn is one of the more memorable libraries I’ve seen in some time.
The remainder of the photos from my tour are viewable on our Flickr site. In those photos, you’ll note a lack of patrons, so it might seem like the place was deserted. At the time I visited, on a Friday afternoon at 4 pm, the library was actually quite busy. Lacking photo release forms, I actually had to work hard at taking photos that didn’t include the estimated 45-50 patrons in various parts of the library. In a few areas, I was unable to take any photos because every chair or every computer was in use!
During my visit, I was approached at least three times by staff members asking if they could provide me any assistance or help me find something. One of those, seeing I had a camera, appropriately probed, asking if I needed help. I assured her that I was not photographing any patrons, just the space.
Not seen in the photo tour on our Flickr site: comfortable spaces for individuals reading. A teen area. An outdoor porch with Adirondack chairs. And much more.
Looking for inspiration, warm design and plenty of light? Check out the Southglenn Library which is both modern and functional.
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