The new 42,000 square foot Petersburg Public Library is designed to provide a full range of services to a diverse community of residents with a considerable array of needs. The new building is located in the center of downtown Petersburg, and serves as a cultural center for the community as well as a catalyst for further revitalization of the downtown.

Enteros Design was hired as architect for the new library and led a project team to verify the program needs, design the interior and exterior, and achieve LEED certification. The library integrates cutting edge technology and creates an environment for education, cultural enhancement, and entertainment for future generations. The plan includes a café, gallery, extensive meeting space, study rooms, extensive public computers, a computer training lab, and separate uniquely designed children and young adults spaces. The Children’s Library is designed with architectural elements, finishes, and furnishings that are provocative and engaging to the children.

The new building architecture has a monumental civic scale to be compatible with the adjacent historic churches. Large windows and a glass atrium space in the heart of the building allow natural light to fill the interior during the day, and lit at night from within to encourage views into the building from the exterior.