A new joint middle school-public library in Spokane is a destination for all ages 

The new Hillyard Library opened on September 2 on the new Shaw Middle School campus. Thanks to a fruitful partnership between Spokane Public Schools and the Spokane Public Library, this new 14,000 square foot branch makes efficient use of taxpayer funds and expands services for both students and the general public.  

The new Hillyard Library has five times the amount of meeting space as the old building, with a large event space, three private group study rooms, and even a maker studio. The mountain-themed children’s area, nicknamed Mt. Shaw, is certain to inspire and delight the library’s youngest visitors. The space is filled with natural light, in addition to minimalist haloes of LED lights that seem to float below the warm wood rafters. The innovative design solves the challenge of providing public access to library services during school hours with a moveable glass wall that can be opened or closed according to campus security needs.  

Group 4 collaborated on the project with Integrus Architecture, the Architect of Record. The library at the new Shaw Middle School is part of a grander new Hillyard Community Campus that aims to bring crucial services and transformative opportunities to the underserved neighborhood.