Laramie County Library

The conceptual design for the new Central Library for Laramie County emerged from a series of public meetings and focus groups that helped articulate the community’s aspirations. These conversations revealed the distinct character of the City of Cheyenne—an urban, civic‑minded capital whose residents also cherish the vast openness of the surrounding landscape.

 

Positioned at the threshold between downtown and nearby residential neighborhoods, the library responds to this dual identity. Its form and presence draw inspiration from its civic neighbors, while its orientation and massing acknowledge the quieter, less urban districts to the north and west.

 

The basic form of the over 100,000 SF, three story building is a simple, flexible box that provides a dignified home for books, reading, and information.   This brick volume with its extensive window walls allowing for ample natural light, is overlaid by curved forms that respond to the context and mark unique functional aspects of the library. Included in the design is a Children's Literacy Center, a Teen area, many meeting rooms and computer center complete with a Café.

 

The opening of this building replaced the previous 1960/70's era building on Central Avenue and was recognized as the first public building in Wyoming to achieve LEED Gold certification for environmental design.