Atherton Library Awarded for Standout Design

We are honored that Atherton Library has again been recognized for its building design.

The Atherton Library has been honored with the 2023 AIA/ALA Library Building Award, opens a new window for excellence in architectural design.

The award, given to just five libraries across the nation, comes from The American Institute of Architects (AIA), opens a new window and the American Library Association (ALA), opens a new window.

AIA called the library “a centerpiece of Atherton” recognizing the library’s place as a “welcoming oasis and a prime destination for the community.”

The new library nearly doubles the square footage of the previous building and is LEED Gold-certified and zero net energy-ready. Set in Atherton’s revitalized town square, the light-filled library offers children’s, teens and adult areas, state-of-the-art makerspace, a quiet reading room and decks shaded by towering, old-growth trees.

Features like a folding glass wall that connect the library’s indoors to its front deck make the new building a standout space. The effect is a calming but breathtaking experience for visitors.

“The team employed a simple material palette and plan that has lessened the library’s energy loads while also reflecting biophilic principles.” – AIA

With every new library project, we are focused on building spaces that are beautiful, eco-friendly and most importantly, serve our communities well.

It matters to us that our libraries are carefully designed to meet green standards and be an inviting space for the community.

Thanks to this approach, our libraries have been honored again and again with building design awards.