We were inspired by the vision of the donor and the mission of the library to ask how our service to the project could extend beyond the typical design and coordination of the physical elements of the library, and how our relationships with the design and construction community could be instrumental to providing services, materials, and fabrication for the library, and to resource and support the important work it does with a vulnerable population.

MKCA provided all design and architecture services pro-bono, and led the effort to solicit additional in-kind donations from other designers, suppliers, fabricators, and contractors in service of the project. In addition, we initiated in-person and online fundraising efforts, and organized a benefit auction, hosted by Paddle8 and featuring donated works from some of the leading lights of the contemporary design and art.

Situated in an dark and underused mezzanine space under the vaulted ceiling of the Concourse House multipurpose space, the library is designed to break from the institutional quality of the other program spaces in the building, to engage the children visually through a bright, colorful, and playful environment, and to allow for flexible transitions between individual and organized group readings and story telling.

The design transforms what was once a dimly lit and crowded space into a bright, playful, and warm space for the library, incorporating durable but residential-feeling materials, and soft integrated cove lighting. Curved paneling and shelving introduce a sense of play, against the dark barrel vaulted ceiling of the chapel space.

The love of books and of reading is something that defined the childhood of everyone on our team. The space for imagination and for reflection that books afford is such a gift, especially for kids who don’t currently have a home, or a space of their own.