TCCL’s Central Library continues to receive national awards for its beauty and sustainability.
Central Library was one of six libraries in North America to receive the “2019 New Landmark Libraries” designation from Library Journal. Entrants for the national competition were considered from projects, completed between 2016-19, that set new standards for library design.
Central Library’s $55-million renovation is being acknowledged for demonstrating excellence in community engagement in design, sustainability, functionality, innovation and beauty.
Through the renovation, Central Library was reimagined from its original 1965 design to meet the needs of a 21st-century library user. The library redesign was specifically noted for adding the A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Foundation Children’s Garden, an 8,631 square foot outdoor activity space used for children’s programming, community events and movie screenings on its 16’5” by 9’9” video display.
Other notable features included an 11,500-gallon storage system for storm water to be reused onsite, photovoltaic solar array installed on the rooftop for energy efficiency, glass study cubes overlooking downtown Tulsa and chairs in the computer area manufactured in accordance with the Living Future Institute’s ingredient list.
Judges took an interest in the approach to community design. While Central Library was being renovated, the design team collaborated with library staff to use a temporary space as their “Librarium” designed as a learning lab for staff to imagine, test and create new services, opportunities, and experiences that contributed to the final design. Community engagement included inviting residents to discover their vision for a 21st-century library together.
“We’ve adapted to the world around us and helped propel our community forward, further moderating inequities in areas such as access to information, educational achievement and economic opportunity,” said Kimberly Johnson, TCCL CEO.
To help achieve these goals, Central Library now features an array of environments tailored to different activities, needs and opportunities. The building includes two flight simulators for hands-on learning, a Maker Space for vocational skill-building, recording studio, digital literacy lab, a dedicated research center where users can book meetings with research staff, and an education center for the research and development of learning practices.
For more information on TCCL programs and services, call 918-549-7323 or visit www.tulsalibrary.org.
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