Missoula Public Library's new downtown library is the first library in the United States to be named an IFLA/Systematic Public Library of the Year. The new building houses four other community organizations (MCAT, Families First Learning Lab, SpectrUM Discovery Area, and the University of Montana Living Lab) to create an equitable, regional cultural hub that blends Missoula’s rich heritage with world-class innovations all under one roof. The design process involved an intensive week-long visioning session with leadership from the library and partner organizations to establish project goals and guiding principles.
International Federation of Library Associations & Institutions (IFLA)/ Systematic Public Library of the Year Award
American Institute of Architects (AIA)/American Library Association (ALA) Library Building Award
ALA/International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Library Interior Design Award
IFLA Green Library Grand Scale Project Award
AIA Montana Merit Award
AIA Minnesota Commendation for Excellence in Design for Equitable Communities
Client
Missoula Public Library
Location
Missoula, MT
Project Type
Library | Cultural Space | Educational Environment | Government Facility
Size
106,675 SF including building and parking garage
Roles
MSR Design | Design Architect
MSR Design | Interior Designer
A&E Design | Architect of Record
Status
Complete
Equitable Communities
Five community organizations housed under one roof
ENERGY
WATER
well-being
“Missoula Public Library has it all. The building stands out for its beautiful architecture that pays homage to the surrounding landscape, while functioning as a library with a wealth of offerings and possibilities. It’s a library that you would relish having in your own local area. It’s a library built for the future.”
—Jakob Guillois Lærkes | IFLA Public Library of the Year Awards Jury Chair
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Exterior materiality reflects the dynamic weather of valley, while the interior materiality relates to the experience of ascending a mountain.
The main floor offers a marketplace with a cafe, retail store, new library materials, and the audiovisual collection; a makerspace; MCAT’s high tech production studio, equipment check-out services, and sound booths; a teens’ area; and the University of Montana Living Lab.
Focused on children, families, and play, the second floor houses the Hank and Nancy Harrington Children’s Library, Families First Learning Lab, SpectrUM Disovery Area, and a mix of collaborative learning spaces shared by the partner organizations.
The third floor includes a demonstration kitchen, reference services, fiction and nonfiction collections, a business center, and genealogy center.
The top floor provides spaces for public engagement and gathering and access to an exterior patio.
Designed to be visible from the city’s main arteries, the building stands tall on Main Street and retracts as it opens towards the river, adjacent park, and residential area.
To support good health and well-being, the design team selected interior finishes and furniture free of chemicals of concern on the Living Building Challenge’s Red List.
The design team selected Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood to emphasize connection to the landscape and protect life on land.
