Patchogue-Medford Public Library

Medford Branch – New Library Building

We provided comprehensive design services for a new Medford Branch Library to provide important services to a currently underserved portion of this community. The branch library is situated on a parcel of land incorporated within the existing Medford Athletic Complex. Proximity to existing ball fields, parking areas, and a wooded perimeter informed the siting and orientation. A substantial green space was left to the north of the building to accommodate future outdoor program space. To the south, an extension of the existing parking layout was designed, with a paver walkway and landscaping forming a connection to the main entry portico.

As a branch library, the Director and Board wanted this facility to include all of the typical amenities provided at the Main Branch, just on a smaller scale. The floor plan was designed to be as open and flexible as possible, so that the services can adapt to future need. The plan includes a Children’s Area, YA stacks, an Adult section, a study room, an office, and a reading area with soft seating. The Children’s area is punctuated by colorful ceiling clouds, and moveable soft seating. The Library saw an opportunity to incorporate a new mode of engagement with community members by incorporating a “work from home” setup. A series of workstations are provided along the north wall, each equipped with a comfortable task chair, a power connection, and a view to outdoor park space. A wall/soffit clad in acoustical fabric frames the perimeter of these stations to provide a degree of privacy and sound mitigation.

A full unfinished lower level has been constructed to accommodate for future growth. The mechanical and sanitary systems have been sized to take future loads into account, and space has been designated for future toilet rooms beneath the first-floor facilities to allow for simple future installation.

A highlight of this new building is the outdoor program space. Designed as an open patio, this flexible space hosts events such as music and movie nights, meetings, play and exercise activities, and a casual reading area. Benches, access to power, a direct connection to the indoor reading area, and landscaping make this a functional, attractive space for patrons.