A former supermarket was converted to a municipal library. Requirements included space for 100,000 volumes; a separate staff area for cataloging and processing; a community room seating 100; an arts and crafts area; a children's reading room and two study/conference rooms, one housing a special collection of Ohio information and literature, the second for a collection of children's literature. The potential for on-line cataloging capabilities was also a key item. Overall the client wished the building to present a sense of civic identity, both to overcome the associations of the supermarket origins and to emphasize the newly independent stature of the library.

Within the building, new skylights admit ample natural light; views into the new reading garden make the most of the nondescript surroundings. The ceiling is left exposed to express the loft-like qualities of the space but is painted dark to keep it recessive. Materials provide a series of contrasts between dull and specular, hard and soft, crude and refined, light and dark, creating visual and tactile appeal. The stacks/study areas are arranged in an "L" configuration, wrapping around the reference and circulation desks. Spaces run from children to young adults ("swing" area) to adults. Lighting is laid out in a two-directional grid (E-W and N-S) so that the stacks can be arranged in any configuration. The circulation desk is custom designed.