Lewes Public Library

The Lewes Public Library was the culmination of a six-year planning effort, which included multiple site options and extensive community involvement in the design effort. The 28,500 sf facility nearly doubled the size of the 14,600 sf library it replaced in order to address growing population and service needs. The facility is sited between two main thoroughfares adjacent to a City park and a DelDOT bicycle trailhead facility, making it an integral part of the City fabric and a highly visible community asset and focal point. The project was designed to be reflective of the local seaside vernacular, taking cues from old lifesaving stations, as well as paying homage to the site’s past use as a railway spur. The interior was developed to be highly flexible, anchored by a large central volume housing a number of collections, with exposed wood trusses and extensive natural light provided by a central spine of clerestory windows. The project was designed to be highly energy efficient, highlighted by a 163.2 kw roof-mounted solar array that offsets 100% of the building’s projected annual electrical consumption.