Southwest Library
About the Project
The Southwest Neighborhood Library is one of the 26 branches of the DC Public Library system. Replacing the original 1961 structure, the new facility opened in 2021 and serves as a vibrant hub for the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood. Designed by Perkins&Will, the 20,000 square foot library reflects the District’s commitment to creating civic spaces that prioritize inclusivity, sustainability, and community engagement. Much like other modern DC libraries, the building is more than a repository of books. It is a civic commons with spaces for meetings, activities, children’s programming, and collaborative learning.
The Challenge
The central challenge was to provide shelving solutions that not only supported the library’s diverse collection but also complemented the architectural design and other furnishings within the space. The shelving needed to be highly functional, durable, and flexible enough to accommodate a wide range of materials, from oversized children’s books to periodicals, while still allowing natural light and maintaining clear sightlines for safety and openness.
The Solution
Spacesaver delivered all of the stationary cantilever shelving as well as mobile, flexible shelving units. Cantilever shelving is a popular choice for libraries because of its adjustability. Shelves can be moved without tools, making it simple to reconfigure layouts as collections evolve. In addition, cantilever systems offer a variety of specialty options such as browsing bins and periodical displays, which can be repositioned as needed to support community use.
In the Southwest Library, much of the shelving was intentionally kept low profile. This approach enhanced daylighting throughout the interior and preserved visibility across the library floor, balancing aesthetic considerations with safety. Mobile shelving also allowed for spaces to flex between collection storage and community programming, aligning with the library’s emphasis on multipurpose use.
Product Background and Execution
From the outset, Spacesaver collaborated with Perkins&Will and DCPL to develop shelving layouts that supported the collection while respecting the design intent of the building. Key considerations included ensuring appropriate storage capacity for varied demographics, particularly accommodating the larger format of children’s books compared to adult novels, and creating zones that were intuitive for patrons.
Execution required careful coordination with the general contractor. Because shelving installation occurs late in the construction sequence, it was critical to align schedules with other subcontractors and meet tight deadlines to ensure the library’s timely opening. Spacesaver worked closely with all project stakeholders to deliver shelving systems that integrated seamlessly into the library’s architectural vision, ultimately supporting DCPL’s mission to provide welcoming, accessible, and inspiring community spaces.