The Harrington Public Library has long been a place of learning and community engagement in Harrington, Delaware. From its origins in the 1880s, starting as a modest lending service in a local resident’s home, to various temporary homes throughout the 20th century, the library has evolved to meet the growing needs of its community.
Previously housed in a building that was originally a funeral home, the Harrington Public Library faced significant limitations. The old structure could not support the expanding array of services and programming essential for a thriving community center.
The lack of space restricted community events, educational programs, and the expansion of library collections. EDiS was brought on as the construction manager to oversee the creation of a modern, purpose-built facility for the Harrington Public Library. With decades of community anticipation and planning behind the project, EDiS’s role was to make sure the new 15,000 square-foot library would meet and exceed the expectations of Harrington’s residents.
The project entailed constructing a new library at 101 Little Mastens Corner Road, which included a wide range of modern features tailored to community needs. The new building accommodates an expanded collection of books, a vibrant children’s section complete with interactive playsets, multiple study rooms, and a versatile multipurpose room that could host a variety of community events and meetings.
The new library featured a multipurpose room designed to serve as a vibrant community center, hosting everything from educational workshops to local gatherings, enhancing community engagement.
Accessibility was a priority in the new building, to make sure the library was easily accessible to everyone in the community, including those with disabilities.
The library was built to align with sustainable building practices to minimize the library’s environmental impact. This included energy-efficient systems and materials that ensured a reduced carbon footprint and promotes a healthier environment for patrons and staff.
This state-of-the-art facility once again serves as a place of learning, community activity, and technological access, effectively catering to the diverse needs of Harrington’s residents. With this project, EDiS helped turn a decades-long dream into a reality, providing a space that will support community growth and learning for many years to come.
Architect
Becker Morgan Group
SF
15,000