The North Ridgeville Branch was built in 2003 across the street from a well-loved community park. The facility has served the community well, but had not benefited from modifications to serve the needs of a growing community, or the evolving demands of 21st-century library service.
Bostwick Designed Partnership conducted an assessment of physical conditions, and facilitated programming and conceptual planning workshops designed to explore how renovations could support new services. The Library understood the changing demographics and emerging needs of the community well, and prioritized spaces for teens, for creation, and for collaboration as the three highest needs currently underserved by existing spaces. Additionally, the Library reconfigured the arrival and circulation services spaces, improved staff work areas, and added a space for passport services. The reconfiguration transformed the interior without requiring an addition.
The design team assisted in selection of new furniture throughout, highlighting new pieces specific to new functions and updated aesthetics consistent with the library’s brand. This included soft lounge seating, collaborative booth seating, and private study pods.
The design team worked with the library to phase the work so the branch could remain open and in-use to the community throughout the construction process.
