Norfolk Public Library

Norfolk Public Library

Bringing the Library into the 21st Century

The City of Norfolk hired APMA to study its existing public library and devise a plan for an improved facility that considered projected space and technological needs over the next twenty years. The information gathered included extensive community feedback, making the case for a renovated and expanded facility that would serve the city for decades to come. In Phase Two APMA worked with city, steering committee, and library staff to confirm the program before refining the space plan and building design. The final building is an inspiring new space that nearly doubled the collection capacity; included dedicated space for children and young adults; and added a reorganized main entrance, a secure exterior courtyard, a maker’s space and heritage room. A new community room is available to the general public outside library hours. The team significantly increased parking capacity and made much-needed improvements that allow more natural light into the space.

Project Details

Location
Norfolk, NE

Size
22,000 SF Renovation
16,000 SF Addition

Scope of Work
Renovation + Addition

Date of Completion 
2018

Honors + Awards
2019 IIDA Great Plains
IDEA Award – Community & Civic

2019 IIDA Great Plains
IDEA Award – Best In Show

2019 IIDA Great Plains
IDEA Award – Product Design – Play Fort

2019 AIA Nebraska
Architectural Honor Award

Norfolk Public Library

Elevated roof lines and large glass transparencies increase visibility and are a beacon to the community. A new welcoming entrance increases visibility, wayfinding and security.

The design nearly doubled the collection capacity; included dedicated space for children and young adults; and added a reorganized main entrance, a secure exterior courtyard, a maker’s space and heritage room.

A new community room is available to the general public outside library hours. The team significantly increased parking capacity and made much-needed improvements that allow more natural light into the space.

Photography by Corey Gaffer

Related Projects

Office

Omaha
1516 Cuming Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68102
p 402.341.1544
f  402.341.4735

Red Oak
302 East Coolbaugh Street
Red Oak, Iowa 51566
p 712.623.6888

General Inquiries

info@alleypoyner.com

Careers Inquiries + Co-Lab

Seraphim Mullins
smullins@alleypoyner.com

Request for Proposal

Anne Hillen
ahillen@alleypoyner.com

Press + Advertising

Mimi True
mtrue@alleypoyner.com

Memorable Memoir

February 14, 2024

Memoir, a new restaurant near Omaha’s Old Market opened recently. APMA was lucky enough to be involved in the design of the memorable space.

Read More

ADU by APMA

November 21, 2023

APMA and Assistology recently placed first in the “An ADU for U” competition put on by AARP and the City of Omaha. Follow the link to find out more about the ready-to-build design!

Read More

APMA is Honored

November 14, 2023

At this year’s AIA Nebraska Excellence in Design Awards Gala, APMA was honored with not one, not two…but five awards! We are truly humbled and eternally thankful to our clients, partners, and staff for helping us Advance Design.

Read More

Neighborhood Transformation

October 25, 2023

Click the link to learn more about the important work being done to transform the Southside Terrace neighborhood with partners OHA, Brinshore, and Canopy South.

Read More
Countryside Community Church

Countryside Community Church Honored Again

March 27, 2023

Countryside Community Church has won the international Religious Architecture and Art Design Award. Co-sponsored by Faith & Form, the prestigious award recognizes the church in the Religious Architecture: New Facilities category. 

Read More

AIA Nebraska Winners

November 8, 2022

Congratulations to our friends at the Hoff Family Arts and Culture Center and Millwork Commons for being recognized at this year’s AIA Nebraska Awards Gala. Congrats to the rest of the winners too!

Read More