Montclair Public Library

Andrew Berman Architect was commissioned to undertake a comprehensive study of the Montclair Public Library’s two buildings, in order to determine how to best reposition them to facilitate the library’s current and future needs. The masterplan process involved working closely with the library’s leadership, board, and staff through discussions and workshops in order to develop a fine grain assessment of the existing building, and to use this information to create a programmatic and spatial assessment that became the basis for design.

The objective of this masterplan is a complete spatial reimagining of both libraries in support of current programming and technological opportunities, and to better reflect the needs of the diverse community. The proposal for the main branch involves a new entry sequence, an outdoor plaza and reading terrace, the consolidation of books and services, dedicated children and teen spaces, and a clear layout that facilitates self-navigation and discovery.