News
Dec 20, 2021 _ news
Deer Park Branch Library Grand Opening
Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library’s (CHPL) newly transformed Deer Park Branch has officially opened its doors to the public. Once a TJ Maxx store in a shopping center, the 25,000 sf space has been repurposed and reimagined as a Next Generation Library for the CHPL system. What was once ghost retail space is now an accessible, vibrant, and inviting hub for the community.
At the ribbon cutting ceremony on December 10, 2021, CHPL Board of Trustees President, Diane Cunningham Redden, had this to say: “The community let us know we needed a modern, expanded library, a place to connect, create, and collaborate and we are truly pleased with how this renovation and expansion turned out.”
When big-box retail goes through a transformation like this, part of the design challenge is to bring in more natural light. “The existing space offered very little access to natural light,” says Amanda Markovic, part of the GBBN design team who worked on the project. “New window openings in the façade and the roof bring in more daylight, while curved architectural walls inside break up the space, allow views, and pique curiosity.”
Another key design move was to balance flexibility with definition of space. “This former retail space was large and open,” explains GBBN’s Sean Cottengim, also part of the design team. “We needed to maximize the library’s ability to use the space in different ways without it being one large chaotic room. We focused on the transition moments from open, active space in the center to quieter more intimate spaces at the edge. This makes it easy for people to find the spot that’s right for them,” he says.
Patrons of all ages will now be able to enjoy open and flexible spaces ranging from designated quiet areas to group rooms designed for laughter and fun. CHPL’s mission is to connect people with the world of ideas and information. Their new space helps them inspire learning without limits.
Read more about the grand opening here.
For more on GBBN’s work with community libraries, read about CLP Beechview, CLP Knoxville, Baldwin Borough Public Library, or Braddock Carnegie Library.
