Project Description
Previously located in the center of town since 1904, the library outgrew its Carnegie building years ago and has relocated adjacent to a site contiguous with the nearby elementary school. The two-story library is organized in 3 wings: a children’s wing, a gallery/meeting wing and a two-story adult service wing.
Each wing of the crisp building features signature “lighthouse” clerestories and soaring interior spaces that bring daylight deep into the interior volumes. In Edgartown where widow’s walks and lighthouses abound, the design took cues from the local architecture to inform the overall massing and design. To achieve simultaneous “uplift” and “anchor,” the building combines a solid brick perimeter with tall windows in addition to the wrap-around clerestories.
The Edgartown Public Library contains one of Martha’s Vineyard’s most important historical book and painting collections. The building is in a historic district subject to aesthetic and design restrictions. Tappé Architects, Inc. was the Architect of Record, Celia Imrey of Imrey Studio was the lead designer. LEED silver certified.