Dilapidated and located in a part of downtown considered by many residents to be unsafe, the 45-year-old Madison Central Library was not well-used or well-loved. The client’s goals for reimagining the library revolve around one central idea: CONNECT. The project involved reimagining the worn-down, stale building so that the library could connect:
- The community to innovative library programs.
- Citizens to one another and the broader world.
- The building to the urban fabric of downtown Madison.
The design process involved a full re-envisioning of how the library provides service to all citizens, how it can
stay relevant as needs evolve, and how to weave the building into Madison’s ethos. The resulting renovation and addition create a vibrant community amenity that has spurred urban redevelopment and increased attendance (a 27% increase in library attendance in the first four months after reopening, and a 1,000% increase in program attendance in the first six months).
The library has become a popular destination for everything from pinewood derbies and art openings
to concerts and weddings.
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