This newly-constructed library is located within a residential neighborhood and within one block of the downtown area. The library had previously been located within a storefront building for 25 years. Bulging at the seams, this small town known for its Peach Festival, Deer Forest and its history on Lake Paw Paw, needed larger quarters to continue providing the very personable service it had come to be known for.

The development of the interiors of this library incorporated the passion of the building committee's sense of local pride in their small community.

The most notable of these dance halls was the Crystal Palace. Buildings on the lake of note were the boathouses, the Ellerbee and others. In creation of a theme for the youth area, we developed an entrance to the youth area that replicates the shape of the Crystal Palace. Patrons enter the youth area through a pediment that duplicates the entrance to the original building. Etched glass, indicative of clapboard siding, further separates the youth area from the adult area but yet allows visual supervision. Wayfinding, from the entrance to the youth area and beyond is developed by the use of carpet border insets that create a water effect as they lead to the reading nook - a boat, nestled in the boathouse, complete with an active compass that responds to the steering wheel and lights that switch on and off. Muralwork was incorporated above the youth technology counters to reflect other buildings of note, Deer Forest and the agricultural community. Within the clouds, painted above the entrance to the youth area and within the youth area, patrons can find hidden imagery, just as if they were lying on their backs, reflecting on a summer sky.

Warm tones of cherry were utilized to clad the columns, construct the circulation and reference desks and create the furnishings. A variety of upholstered lounge pieces are nestled in groupings to provide intimate reading areas throughout the library. The double-sided fireplace is a major focal point of the library.

©2007 riemenschneider design associates