Located at the corner of Market and Queen Streets since 1935, the Martin Library is a local hub and landmark that carries the mission to strengthen the York community through the promotion of literacy and life-long learning. While it houses the largest collection of books in York County, Martin Library sought to expand further, seeking not just more space but a reinvention of the library experience.
Project Details
Client
York County Libraries
Size
66,000 sf
Completion Date
2006; 2022
Services
Architecture, Civil, Interiors
We listen.
To draw more people to the library and increase circulation of their vast collection of literature, the York Library System selected Warehaus’ architecture and civil engineering teams to tackle the expansion.
We design.
Using an adjacent parcel for expansion, the team explored the library experience from a new perspective, researching shopping malls, restaurants, book retailers and playgrounds to inspire the reinvention. Warehaus also improved the merchandising of popular collections and created a large condensed book storage area in the lower level, to house less frequently circulated collections.
We deliver.
The Martin Library now features a café, for-profit retail area, teen center and an animated storybook forest to enchant young readers. Visitors to the library can borrow or buy a book, take a gardening class, sip cappuccino or attend a lecture, expanding the library’s reach to the broader community.
