Construction has begun on the Steinberg Hart-designed Almonte Public Library in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

The 20,000 SF Almonte Library will connect the diverse community it serves with the necessary resources and experiences to educate and enrich lives. The newly designed space puts people within the community first by fostering equity, diversity and inclusion by reflecting their culture.

The storefront-like glazing on the east and south enhances the transparency that conveys a sense of activity and opportunities for the library users to be fully engaged internally and externally. This neighborhood has a significant customer base that relies upon public transportation and pedestrian access to the library. A colorful covered tipped-up front porch with casual seating will welcome patrons and visitors while guiding them to the front entry that will be visible to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Angled sidewalks invite pedestrians to the front door and a large portion of the walks are covered with generous overhangs. A convenient drive-thru drop off and holds pick up loop circles the building.
To achieve total flexibility and support future expansion the majority of the library will be an open loft-like space that houses the adult, teen, and children’s collections on one level. All of the spaces that need to be enclosed with walls are organized behind a single wall that runs down the center of the building. These include the makerspace, media lab, staff workspace, meeting rooms, and other building support spaces.

The project, completed in partnership with local Oklahoma firm ADG|Blatt Architects, is slated for completion at the end of 2023.