Public Library of Camden and Ouachita County

During the early morning hours on July 3, 2011, the existing Camden Public Public Library caught fire and the building, along with much of the library’s collection, was lost.  Relocated to a temporary space in a shopping center, the library hired the team of Allison and Meyer, Scherer, & Rockcastle to design a new building, as well as aide in site analysis and selection.  A new site adjacent to the historic Fook’s Garden, originally established by Benjamin Tyndle Fooks, founder of Grapette Soda, was purchased.  The design for the library focuses on the garden by extending the established geometries into the building.  The garden also serves as a backdrop for the covered outdoor space, used for gathering and programs, and an herb and butterfly garden, located just outside the children’s area, allows for additional sensory exploration.   In addition to the children’s area, the main reading room also includes dedicated spaces for the young adult and genealogy collections, and large meeting space was included for community activities.  The design also incorporates a number of sustainable strategies, such as the use of high performance glazing, high efficiency building systems, local materials, and abundant natural light in the spaces.  The design for the Library was completed in 2013, and it is construction was completed in 2015.

Read more about The Public Library of Camden and Ouachita County on our blog.