Cedar Park Public Library

As the first building to be constructed at the heart of the City’s mixed-use Bell District, the new Cedar Park Public Library is a premier civic destination and catalyst for activity in the developing district. The Library was designed to leverage the natural features of the site including preserving as many mature trees as possible, orienting the building to capture summer breezes, daylight and views, and creating opportunities for outdoor programming. The design concept revolves around the idea of the Library as the community’s porch—a welcoming place that celebrates and encourages community, civic engagement, and an appreciation for reading and learning.

Anyone who visits this stunning new building will see just how much our residents treasure knowledge, cherish their neighbors of all ages, and celebrate the natural beauty of this place we call home. Jim Penniman-Morin

Mayor of Cedar Park

The building includes maker spaces, event space, collaboration spaces, quiet reading and work areas, a tree-shaded courtyard, and a large kids and family area with indoor and outdoor interactive play and learning exhibits. Two elevated screened porches capture breezes and offer comfortable outdoor space with treetop views for reading, working, and gathering.

The lobby features a custom light fixture and an acoustically performing wood wall made from trees reclaimed from the site. Floor-to-ceiling glazing offers sweeping views of the courtyard, the park, and the Bell District as visitors circulate through the heart of the building on both floors.

The library embraces the landscape with multiple outdoor areas including screened porches, covered maker and event patios, a kids play area, and the Backyard green space beyond.

The two-story library is broken in to two main wings. The North Wing houses a large kids and family area with museum-quality interactive exhibits, the young adult collection, the teen area, and staff areas. The South Wing houses the adult collection, a quiet reading room, makers paces, a classroom, and a large revenue-generating event room. Small group collaboration rooms are located throughout the building.

The children’s book Be a Tree! by Maria Gianferrari inspired the design of the Kids Area, including a large plywood tree and custom wall coverings adapted from the original illustrations by Felicita Sala.

Natural, durable, and healthy materials were prioritized throughout the library, along with thoughtful furniture and art selection to meet the community’s desire for an enduring, inclusive building that is “the defining place of Cedar Park.”