The Pleasant Hill Library, designed by architects Bohlin Cywinksi Jackson, opened on July 30, 2022. The 24,000 square foot interior is filled with books to browse under the natural light of floor to ceiling windows, twelve skylights, and a jewel-box facade. Comfy seating on the creekside of the building looks out onto the landscape designed by Einwiller Kuehl, featuring native oaks and a variety of drought tolerant species. Food and drink can be enjoyed in the Nelis Nook, a cafe-like space. Events ranging from morning storytimes to evening arts and cultural performances activate the central program pavilion. A colorful children's area on the west side opens onto an outdoor activity yard, featuring a magnetic play wall and a one-of-a-kind reclaimed log sculpture crafted by Evan Shively from a century-old eucalyptus. A flexible maker space supports traditional and high tech hands-on learning for all ages. While at the opposite end, the sound-absorbing wall panels, cozy armchairs, and banquette seating make the library's "Retreat" room ideal for reading, studying, or just enjoying a quiet moment. Visitors are also encouraged to seek out the Project Second Chance adult literacy office, four group study rooms, and the Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library bookstore. The library is a model of sustainability, utilizing a rooftop solar array to meet the energy needs of a highly efficient space that is passively heated and cooled with a radiant slab and smart ventilation dynamically responding to the weather.
Pleasant Hill
