Location

Art in Public Places winning proposal for the art in the branch

South Bowie Branch Library (under construction)

The South Bowie Branch Library is a 45,000 SF two story library planned for the Hall Station mixed use development at the intersection of Central Avenue and Hall Road.  The development will include the library, credit union, pharmacy, coffee shop and 319 housing units.  The library will be the focus and provide a civic presence to the development.  While the development encourages pedestrian activity, the library will also have a drive-up service window to pick up and return library materials.

The ground floor of the library will include the children’s, adult and teen areas, and the circulation desk with a collection capacity of 80,000 items.  The children’s area will feature a story room with an interactive early literacy activity area, browsing area and a life-size tree in full spring bloom which will define the seating area.  The adult area will feature a “living room” for comfortable reading with a fireplace, multiple group study rooms (including one designated just for teens), a quiet study room, 50 computers and a publishing center, and all in a soaring two story space

The upper level of the library will include public meeting rooms, a computer training lab, conference room and the staff area.  Some of these public rooms will overlook the main reading room providing dramatic views into the adult area.

Based on Green/Sustainable design principles, the library will follow the criteria outlined in the USGBC LEED rating system.  Renewable materials, recycled materials, delighting strategies and energy efficient systems will be used.

The exterior of the library will be compatible with the overall theme of the mixed use development with overhanging roof forms, large windows, brick and precast concrete.  The library will feature a large entrance tower signifying its civic presence as well as providing a focal point for the entire development.