The Collister Neighborhood Library is an important piece of revitalization and reinvestment in one of the older neighborhoods of Boise. This library is the first of two neighborhood libraries that Trout Architects designed for Boise City that brings services out into the community. The new library provides educational, civic and cultural opportunities for all ages with a special focus on children and youth.
Locating the library in the Collister Shopping Center, a strip mall originally constructed in the 1960’s, provides a strong link to the neighborhood. While Trout Architects was working on this project the owner of the shopping center was also in the process of working on major improvements to the center. Having the Library as an anchor tenant.
The neighborhood can walk and bike to the Library, witnessed by the large amount of bikes that are parked under the covered walkway. Commuters who travel along State Street now have easy access to Boise Library Services rather that having to drive into downtown Boise.
The remodel consisted of the construction of a new storefront window system and a complete replacement of the existing 11,000 square foot interior space. The library contains about 7,955 square feet of public space and currently houses 32 public accessible computers, with a collection of 15,000 books, movies and other materials.
All the new materials incorporated into the library are sustainable and healthy. State of the art skylights were installed throughout. When used in conjunction with a daylight harvesting system, energy consumption will be greatly reduced.
The layout of the library incorporates a radial plan that allows for maximum visibility and provides for lounging, study and a place for neighbors to gather. The Collister Neighborhood Library is a vital piece of cultural reinvestment in an older neighborhood of Boise and will act as a catalyst toward the continued revitalization of this neighborhood.
For more information on the Library! at Collister please visit www.boisepubliclibrary.org
Design Team: Dwaine Carver, Steve Trout
