Steele Creek Branch Library
Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County
The Steele Creek Library introduces a civic presence into an otherwise commercial built environment. The 15,000 SF library accommodates up to 70,000 volumes.
The library connects with the agrarian roots of the area, with a design driven by a strong relationship between the inside and outside. Upon entering the building, the outside is reintroduced through the use of clerestory windows and direct exterior views along the main axis.
The Program Room serves the children’s programs as well as the community, making this area an integral part of the library’s civic function. Support spaces include a Computer Learning Center, silent study room, conference room, and adult and children’s reading areas. Clerestory windows light the high, central space running the length of the building. Computer casework in the children’s area is designed as a garden trellis, framing the view of the circular gazebo story-time area.
Restricted by the driveways and setback, the available building footprint is long and narrow. The street elevation features the community room accented by a large portico. A trellis covered with evergreen vines runs along the parking area near the library entrance.
