Hampton Street Elementary School Library

State-of-the-Art Building Addition

The Hampton Street elementary school’s library and media center in the Mineola Union Free School District was not up to par with the District’s ambitions. The existing center was only three adjacent classrooms, two of which compose the library and the last serving as a computer room. The District wanted a state-of-the-art building addition suited for students in pre-kindergarten through second grade.

We designed a combined library, art, and music wing with cheerful colors and appropriately sized furniture. Many of the window seats are low enough that children can sit with outside views. Above the storytelling area, letters hang from the ceiling spelling out “Reading is fun.” The library can hold 10,000 books and has enough seating for two classes simultaneously. Wi-fi connection reaches the entire library.

The building envelope is energy efficient, utilizes daylight harvesting, and environmentally friendly finishes such as linoleum flooring and carpet from recycled materials.