Sterling Library: A Story of Renewal, Repurpose + Hope

Project Details

Project Description

How does one insert a state of the art library into a 20 year old shopping center that has seen better days? With creativity and innovation! The story of Sterling Library is a story of renewal, repurpose, and above all: hope for the future! It all started when Loudoun County leased three abandoned storefronts and hired Grimm + Parker Architects to design the 14,500 sq. ft. space into a bustling new library for the community in Sterling Virginia. Due to lease and budget limitations, there was no opportunity to alter the exterior or add curb appeal of any kind, rendering this an interior-only renovation. One of the greatest design challenges in this project was adding natural light to the 90’ deep space where the existing exterior storefront windows offered the only natural light and the rear load-bearing wall had to remain entirely free of openings. The solution locates the most prominent active spaces along the front with floor-to-ceiling storefront windows to better attract passersby into the library and added ceiling sky-lights towards the rear, affording new natural light to the meeting and study rooms located deeper into the quieter parts of the library. Upon entering the library, a zone to the left is dedicated to the Teen Center with computers, gaming screens, and fun furniture. A movable glass wall separates the Teen Center from the rest of the library offering the option to acoustically enclose the space, while keeping a visual connection at all times if teenager gatherings get active and loud, as they often do. Along the exterior storefront windows are café style seating areas offering a variety of gathering options for visitors. Parents can read, study, meet, or simply relax while their children enjoy the “jelly bean” cut-out nooks in the children’s area. The entire space is designed to be flexible and transformable. The interior spaces come to life with lively colors accentuated by the natural daylight from new skylights, and flexible furnishings to support a variety of activities – from festive to reflective. In the main library, a sculpted curvy ceiling was designed to draw visitors through the space. Along the paths are computers, a maker space, rooms for business incubation, tutoring and conference rooms, and a community meeting room. Sterling library has become a beacon and a destination in the older shopping center and is helping to give it a second life! It glows at night from a distance and draws visitors in throughout the day. Whether it’s learning to sew, recording music, or cuddling up with a book, children, teens, and adults of all ages can find a special place just for them in the new space. The new library has inspired and revived an older, “has-been” shopping center into a new, hip and hang out destination, a place to see and be seen, learn and engage neighbors and friends.