Esther D. Nixon Library

Central Arkansas Library System

Little Rock, Arkansas

Project Details
68,700 square feet

Awards
LEED Silver, Rectified Existing Building Platinum

WER Architects designed the Esther D. Nixon Library facility to provide the city of Jacksonville with a new home for their existing and expanding library base. The previous facility was in high demand for community events after hours, but it did not provide sufficient space or access to support this function. 

The WER design team created a clear and friendly entry axis which organizes all functions around a single pre-function lobby. This axis establishes a main entry and access from parking to the lobby and serves both library and community spaces.

The community spaces feature a 75-person meeting room and catering facility. The WER design team worked with stakeholders to establish a new program which facilitates community functions by separating the library functions and operations from the community meeting space, which often occurs after library hours. 

The site plan supports flexible year-round community use. A large lawn and outdoor pavilion created an urban park-like setting and encourages indoor/outdoor public use for small festivals, music and performance venues - all positioned so it opens towards the surrounding Jacksonville neighborhood.