nORTH EAST BRANCH LIBRARY

The North East Branch Library is situated on a busy throughfare in Cecil County, Maryland. Cecil County’s location on the Chesapeake Bay has shaped its past and will impact its future. Special care was taken to conserve and manage water on the library site, with low-flow fixtures and stormwater management features integrated into the design.

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From a cutting-edge early childhood learning center to a business commons for entrepreneurs, the new library provides spaces that support success. The design connects past to future, learning to play, and people to nature to help the community flourish. In response to the Library’s desire to support local business owners, we created a dedicated business commons where entrepreneurs can access teleconference-ready meeting rooms, use dedicated printers and equipment, and consult with a small business librarian.

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The building is organized on a continuum from the adjacent commercial area to the wooded site edge, with geometric forms on the entry façade giving way to natural elements inside the building. Expansive windows, a ground-level activity terrace, and an upper-level reading terrace overlook a grove of trees.

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FROM MAINSTREET TO ESTUARY

Drawing inspiration from Cecil County's location on the Chesapeake Bay, we created a palette of natural materials and soft colors that reflect the waterfront setting. Curved walls and flowing patterns evoke running water, while wood features and stone-like textures recall boats and vernacular buildings. Informed by meetings with local students and teachers to understand their unique needs for the library, the children’s area encompasses a range of engaging, hands-on educational spaces. Areas include a large early childhood learning center, playful details that provide moments of discovery & delight, and a STEM activity space for older children.

 

LOCATION NORTH EAST, MD / Completion sPRING 2021 / SIZE 43,000 GSF