Green Hills Public Library, Palos Hills

'Give Us More Space, and Make Us Look New Again'

To meet significant increases to its circulation and patron traffic, Green Hills Public Library turned to Gilfillan Callahan Nelson Architects to add space and update its look to that of a more contemporary feel.

After extensive analysis, the firm developed a cost-effective library expansion plan that met both requests by adding 12,000 square feet of new construction to the library's existing structure. With Mother Earth in mind, a 500 sq. ft. "green roof" feature was added to lower carbon dioxide emissions while providing an aesthetic look to library patrons in the upper reading levels. The library's flat roof will feature trays filled popular varieties of the Sedum plant family, including "Baileys Gold," "Kamschaticum," "Reflexum," "Sexamgular," "Spurum" and "Fulda Glut."

The expansion project nearly doubles the existing square footage, and maximizes the library's efficiency. The innovative design brings a significant increase to patron seating, while offering a major expansion of its Youth Services department. The design also provides the Green Hills Public Library with additional community meeting space, a media/computer services department, and the ability to one day expand its stacks feature.