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Children’s reading room in the new wing in 6,800 SF East Hampton Library became a medium of learning at the same time fun play area. Established in 1987 and one of Long Island’s oldest public libraries. The interior design and graphics environment of reading room is a reference to the legacy of Long Island’s East End. The East Hampton Library is a repository of local historical documents, maps, objects and collections is also influential in the design of children’s reading room. Icons of Est End such as lighthouses, windmills and boats find their way into the interior design. Toddler room is decorated with colorful murals afabet with beaches and a marine theme, sand bucket-shaped pendant ceiling, and bookshelves in the shape of oversized letterforms.
The main reading room is bookended by a windmill book display and seating area at one end and a librarian’s desk shaped like a wooden fishing dory at the other. Nautical references continue in the wood flooring design, built-in window seats and custom map rug that anchors a central lounge seating area. Overhead, rows of custom ‘book-bird’ pendant lights flock like seagulls through heavy wood trusses that replicate those found elsewhere in the building. A teen room has an aquarium and deep blue carpeting made from recycled fishing nets. The overall effect of the children’s reading room is one of warmth, community and pride of place.
Status: Built
My Role: Interior Design/Environmental Graphics
Additional Credits: Architect: Robert A.M Stern Architects
Photography: Francis Dzikowski/OTTO & Randee Daddona
source: archinect
