Granby, MA – Johnson Roberts Associates, Inc. (JRA) recently celebrated the opening of the new Granby Free Public Library. For 40 years, members of the community had discussed the possibility of moving the cramped and crumbling library into a new home. Johnson Roberts Associates worked with Virginia Snopek, chair of the Board Library Trustees, who had worked since 1973 to make the new $4.5 million building a reality.
The new Granby Free Public Library recalls the architecture of the previous library, a 1917 Carnegie building, which will be repurposed for other town uses. Prominent Ionic columns at the entrance respect the Greek Revival style of the local context, while the 12,300sf interior addresses the space needs and library services of the 21st while a new children’s library, young adult room, and meeting spaces are located in side wings.
The project is pursuing LEED Silver Certification. “Green” building elements include a photovoltaic array on the roof, a high efficiency HVAC system, and a daylight-harvesting lighting system.
