Brentwood public library

A cherished neighborhood institution, Brentwood Public Library recognized the need to expand its footprint and services to better serve both local and regional audiences. Through extensive collaboration with library staff, board members, and patrons, a clear design vision emerged—one that supports the library’s mission to foster learning, connection, and cultural enrichment while ensuring free and open access for all.

The project includes a 6,000-square-foot addition to the existing 10,000-square-foot two-story building. The addition becomes the new front door of the library, introducing light-filled spaces for teens, children, and community gatherings. A new outdoor courtyard, a top priority for stakeholders, extends the reading and learning experience into nature.

To preserve resources and reduce waste, the existing structure—originally a parking garage and office building—is retained. Its neutral façade remains, with former openings repurposed to form key circulation pathways that connect old and new. The heart of the design is a central atrium that brings daylight deep into the building and creates a vertical connection between floors. Roof monitors strategically draw in soft northern light to enhance interior spaces.

The exterior is a simple brick-and-glass volume, with a textured brick pattern on the main façade symbolizing openness and welcome. Inside, the design honors the library’s legacy while introducing modern warmth through natural wood finishes, clean white surfaces, and concrete elements.

The result is a vibrant, flexible space that supports reading, learning, gathering, and reflection—ensuring the library remains a vital resource for generations to come.

Throughout the project, Arcturis has facilitated organizing a series of public meetings and engagement efforts aimed at securing support from various stakeholders, including residents, patrons, and government officials. Our strategic approach centers on emphasizing the library’s significant value to the community and highlighting its evolution into a modern, community-focused educational space.