The original Half Hollow Hills Library was over 50 years old, flooded easily, and had no ADA access. With patron use exceeding 300,000 visits annually, space for new programs and services was limited. Having explored many options, the community overwhelmingly adopted a plan to start anew.

The new 40,000sf library is organized in three wings surrounding a landscaped courtyard:

• The central wing brings patrons to “Main Street” at the entry -- a double height space with the circulation desk, a café, public information spaces and conference room.

• The west wing has a separate entry for community functions, a 150-seat lecture hall with a podcast room, a large art gallery and pantry for public events, and a multipurpose room.

• The east wing houses the children’s and teens’ libraries, and a dedicated maker space with state-of-the art digital equipment and a demonstration kitchen.

On the exterior, the new library creates a strong, civic presence; on the interior it is open, spacious, transparent and filled with daylight.

The new Half Hollow Hills library is welcoming community center with inspiring spaces for creativity, collaboration and cultural pursuits for patrons of all ages.