Moultrie-Colquitt County Library System, Main Branch
McMillan Pazdan Smith (MPS) provided a master plan for the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library (MCCL). The original building was designed in 1963, significant additions followed in 1975 and 1988, and numerous minor changes occurred over time, bringing the library to its configuration in 2014. The purpose of this master plan was to address the needs, examine the utilization of existing space, and make recommendations to achieve the space’s highest and best purpose in meeting users’ current and future needs.
Our design team began the process by visiting the Moultrie-Colquitt Library to perform an evaluation of the existing facility, which included meeting with the Director of the Library and staff, and touring the library. During this time, the team discussed existing spaces, how each department is affected by current library trends, how the library could be re-envisioned, and what additional functions the library should contain to meet the ongoing needs of patrons.
As a result of the facility assessment meetings, the following project goals were identified by MCCL staff and MPS:
- Improve entry experience and visibility from central help desk
- Create a children’s area that is easily accessible and visible for users
- Consolidate library staff and improve efficiency
- Identify opportunities to reduce size of print collection
- Increase computers and technology offerings for users
- Create a dedicated computer lab classroom
- Allow for future expansion of Special Collections
- Provide a dedicated teen area
- Provide group study rooms
The design team then provided a detailed analysis of the existing library, using illustrated conceptual floor plans to explain a potential reconfigured layout based on established goals. The master plan included a program summary documenting results and phasing plans enumerating steps for implementation.
Following the master plan completion, McMillan Pazdan Smith was selected to provide design services for the renovations, which were completed Janurary 2019.