PLAIN TOWNSHIP LIBRARY
Plain City, Ohio
CHALLENGE
To transform a traditional library into a dynamic community hub where people can not only access information but create, connect, and collaborate in ways that meet the changing needs of today's users.
SOLUTION
Our design strategy focused on creating multifunctional spaces that expand the library's role beyond book lending to become a center for community creativity and learning. The 4,000-square-foot addition includes a versatile maker ecosystem featuring a workshop for hands-on projects, a digital lab for technology exploration, and an A/V studio where community members can produce podcasts and other media content.
At the heart of the expansion is a flexible community room designed to host everything from children's story time to entrepreneurial workshops. Garage-style doors open to connect this space with the outdoors, effectively doubling its capacity during pleasant weather and creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. This spatial flexibility allows the library to adapt quickly to different types of programming throughout the day and across seasons.
The renovation thoughtfully reconfigures site circulation with a new drive-through book drop-off and pickup point that improves convenience for both patrons and staff. Throughout the design process, our team worked closely with library leadership to create physical mockups and illustrations that helped build community understanding and support for the project, ensuring its successful integration into Plain City's historic district.
IMPACT
The completed library expansion has fundamentally shifted Plain City's relationship with its library, transforming it from a place to consume information into a place to create it. Community members now have access to tools, technology, and spaces that were previously unavailable in this small community, empowering new forms of learning and entrepreneurship.
The facility has become a genuine community living room — a place where residents of all ages gather not just to borrow books but to attend events, learn new skills, and connect with neighbors. The thoughtfully designed spaces have enabled the library to expand its programming, attracting users who might never have visited a traditional library and strengthening its position as an essential community resource.
