Exposition Park Regional Branch Library

The 14,500 sq ft Exposition Park Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Regional Branch Library is located on a highly visible corner of the Martin Luther King Jr. Park. Sensitive site planning of the Library’s relationship to the park and neighborhood were key to the successful influence the Library has on both the park and surrounding neighborhood.

Its positioning on the site also takes advantage of the site/sun orientation to optimize day lighting and views within the library. The ability to provide an abundance of natural light was achieved by creating a high volume space along one side of the axis and a low volume space along the other with generous clerestory lights facing north. Major views from within the library focus on the park with an abundance of natural light. 90% of the Library spaces are designed with views.

The 1,300 sq ft Community Room also complements the park and functions as an indoor gathering place for the community. This idyllic location on a major north/south arterial corner of the City was exploited by the architects and calls out to the community as a beacon of pride.