Somerville, Massachusetts, USA

Enlisted by Somerville Public Library, designLAB architects and G2 Design Studio have re-established the West Branch Library as a key civic fixture in the Davis Square neighborhood, in Somerville, represents a fundamental shift in library design, from the library as a “grocery store”—a place to check out resources for use at home— to a “kitchen”—a place to experiment, collaborate and create.

The transformation project of Somerville’s West Branch Library has recently been awarded a 2022 American Architecture Awards by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.

The West Branch Library in Somerville is a 10,500-square-foot neo-classical Carnegie Library built in 1909.

The addition and renovation project presents the historic library through a 21st-century lens, through the careful restoration of historic features; a contemporary new addition; and the creation of universal access for the first time in the building’s history.

This shift requires a fundamental rethinking of library design, away from a singular repository for resources, and toward a space that fosters engagement, curiosity, and the creation of knowledge.

At the time of the project’s initiation, the building was in severe disrepair, desperately needing plumbing and HVAC improvements. The library lacked reliable heating and cooling systems; in the summer, the library relied on just two window air conditioners on the main floor.

The roof constantly leaked, causing damage to ceilings and floors. There was water infiltration in the basement, where the children’s room was located. Patrons relied on just one public toilet that was often in need of servicing, and could not adequately meet the demands of an urban library.

Above all, the library’s physical space failed to provide any sort of flexibility to meet the varying needs of library users seeking quiet study, conference space, and program space.

The resulting transformation upgrades the library to meet the standards of a modern building, including new systems, accessible entry, and additional bathrooms — in addition to modern amenities, such as public technology stations and a maker space.

Clad in copper and largely transparent, the new addition welcomes the community with a new, universally accessible entrance, lobby, restrooms, and informal reading room that opens to the rear garden.

The entry hall and historic reading rooms on the main level were largely preserved, as was the entirety of the original stair.

Restoration work was concentrated around the original hand-stenciled paint details, ornamental plasterwork, period-appropriate lighting, and wood millwork. Original fireplaces were outfitted with gas inserts, and all spaces were upgraded with new furnishings.

The upper level of the library—formerly occupied by stacks— now houses a vibrant new children’s area, featuring dedicated areas for crafts, storytime, and group events.

Custom, moveable furniture pieces facilitate re-arrangement to support a variety of different uses and events.

A multi-purpose community room was strategically inserted into the lower level, serving as a making space, in addition to hosting community events, meetings, and presentations. Though it is located within the existing building, the community room is accessible after-hours so events can be hosted when the library is closed.

Among these updates, perhaps the most significant is the creation of a completely universally accessible building, which makes the Carnegie Library “Free-to-All” in the truest of senses. This goal was paramount and critical to the project’s success.

The existing building sat 6-feet above the sidewalks— a feature typical of the Carnegie Library model, but limiting to those with disabilities. The library also had no elevator, rendering the upper level — intended to be a community gathering space — inaccessible and unusable.

The primary goal of the project was to address these issues, creating a universally accessible building for all to enjoy. The new entry is strategically located midway between the main and lower levels, accessed via a gradual sloped walk. An elevator was inserted into the existing building, located off the main entry.

With these enhancements, anyone can now easily access all floors of the library.

The community was at the core of the process and product for the library, with multiple community engagement sessions throughout the early visioning stages.

Project: Somerville West Branch Library 
Architects: designLAB architects
Original Architects: Maclean and Wright (1909)
Landscape Architects: G2 Design Studio
Contractor: CTA Construction Managers
Client: Somerville Public Library
Photographers: Anton Grassl