The new Midlothian Library is a community-focused building with strong connections to the outdoors and local history. As residents of the first coal mining site in the United States, the citizens of Midlothian expressed the desire for a building that acknowledged their past while simultaneously suggesting a sustainable, hopeful future. This led to a design that utilizes the architectural language of coal mining to house sustainable features such as native plantings, generous interior daylighting, and a rooftop solar array capable of providing 100% of the building’s yearly energy consumption.

Visitors to the library are greeted by a generous entry plaza with a drive-up book return, exterior book and media kiosk for after-hours pick-ups, and interpretive signage. Immediately to the south, the building opens up to embrace a reading garden filled with native trees and a variety of seating options. Further exploration of the site leads visitors to an outdoor classroom with a dedicated story-time circle, building-integral sundial oculus, musical instruments, pathways of travel highlighted by animal tracks stamped into paving, and a custom “clamber corner” modeled after local mining ruins.

The building’s interior design utilizes natural materials, shapes, and colors to emphasize the library’s connection to nature. This is complemented by natural light and views to the exterior at 100% of permanently occupied interior spaces. Low-height shelving throughout provides easier access to materials and increased sightlines. Eight meeting rooms (allowing for groups ranging in size from two to 160 people) are strategically located throughout the building. Combined with the library’s exterior features, these interior amenities will provide Midlothian with a flexible, highly used community focal point for decades to come.

Design: HBA Architecture and Interior Design
Contractor: Loughridge Construction
Photography: Chris Cunningham Photography