The Effingham Public Library (in Effingham, IL), replaced the Helen Matthes Library, and was relocated to a former bank building. Johnson Roberts Associates converted 27,000-square-feet of interior office space into a modern library facility — complete with circulation, reading, book stacks, work, study and meeting areas. The improved design allowed for efficient use of the existing building. Glass walls provided visibility for meeting spaces, children’s and young adult areas, making them welcoming to the community.
This project adds flexibility by providing after-hours access to meeting spaces on the lower level. A new Wi-Fi café is conveniently located close to the main circulation path and overlooks the park. The Children’s Library includes a craft and story room in addition to reading and browsing areas, and is located on the upper level with great views of the historic Courthouse building. The renovated building features warm and inviting interiors with better circulation, acoustics and visibility. Other improvements included: a new elevator, all new casework and interior finishes, new lighting, improvements to HVAC systems, a new fire protection system, and ADA compliance measures.
“I am pleased to recommend the services of Johnson Roberts Associates, Inc. They completed the renovation of a 1970s, two-story bank building into a modern library facility in 2015 for the community of Effingham, IL. From the beginning of the process, I was pleased and impressed with their knowledge and professionalism. In the end, we have a high-quality building that will last for many years to come and that we are proud to call our home.
I was quite impressed with their attention to detail as well as their sensitivity to the needs of our community. For example, as the library worked to raise the necessary funds, it became clear that the project scope would need to be adjusted. Johnson Roberts Associates was able to adjust the scope and design from a $5 million to a $3.5 million project without sacrificing functionality.”
– Amanda D. McKay
Director, Effingham Public Library