The new Reuben Hoar Library (Littleton, MA) was built on the same site as the old library — into an existing hillside, with the entrance on the upper level and the lower level opening onto a terrace and the adjacent woodland. Adult services on the upper level overlooks the terrace and provides a view of the woods, while the children’s department on the lower level has direct access to the terrace. Accessibility was greatly improved and it is within walking distance from the Town Hall, Senior Center, and public schools. This green, sustainable design reduced energy usage by 82%.















This library is pursuing LEED certification, and has a number of sustainable elements included in the design from a high efficiency heating and cooling system, to daylight harvesting that automatically dims the LED lighting, to deep overhangs that shade the windows in summer, and allow the warming sun into the building in winter months.
- LEED Silver targeted
- Utilizes high-efficiency, air sourced heat pumps
- No fossil fuels used in the building

