Building a Library Designed for Families, Flexibility, and Community

When a growing community on the north side of New Hanover County, North Carolina, needed a library branch of its own, the challenge was about more than constructing a building. The New Hanover County Library System wanted a space that would serve a rapidly expanding population of families, respond to community needs, and make the most of a challenging site. To help bring that vision to life, ReThinking Libraries (RTL) partnered with Little Diversified Architectural Consulting to guide the planning and programming process for what would become the new Northchase Branch Library.

New Hanover County Library System serves a diverse county through multiple branches, each supporting different neighborhoods and community priorities. The Northchase area had experienced significant residential growth, particularly among families with children. Although nearby educational resources existed, including a community college campus, residents lacked convenient access to a public library.

Listening to the Community

According to Nelson, understanding the community was the foundation of the project. RTL and the design team worked closely with library staff to evaluate what had been successful in recently built branches and identify opportunities for improvement. Community engagement played a major role in shaping the plan. Nearly 1,000 residents participated in a survey, and listening sessions provided additional insight into local needs and priorities.

The planning process also included visioning sessions with library leadership as the community emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic. These conversations helped establish goals for the building, identify desired experiences, and clarify what the library hoped to avoid in the design.

While the community vision was clear, the site itself presented several obstacles. The county-owned property was located within an industrial park along a busy highway, with limited access and no nearby street parking. The library needed to be a single-story building to support operational efficiency, while still providing ample parking, preserving existing trees, accommodating wetlands and stormwater requirements, and incorporating a drive-up book return.

Construction cost increases following the pandemic created another challenge. As costs rose, portions of the design had to be revisited to ensure the project remained within budget while still delivering the features most important to the community.

Designing for Flexibility and Access

The result is a nearly 20,000-square-foot library designed with flexibility and accessibility at its core. Because families represent a significant portion of the Northchase community, the building includes a variety of spaces that can adapt to different uses throughout the day. A multi-use area with seating and tables serves as a welcoming transition into the children’s section, while a dedicated teen space acknowledges the nearby middle school and anticipated future bike path connecting students to the library.

The design also extends beyond the building itself. A shaded outdoor reading pavilion provides additional programming and gathering space, encouraging visitors of all ages to enjoy the library outdoors. Inside, visitors will find small meeting rooms, study spaces, quiet nooks, and a café-style area featuring popular materials and comfortable seating.

Accessibility was another key priority. The single-story design eliminates barriers for visitors with mobility challenges, while convenient parking and intuitive circulation make the building easy to navigate for all users.

From Plans to a Thriving Branch

The Northchase Branch officially opened on July 9, and the early response has been overwhelmingly positive. Staff report that spaces are being used as intended and that visitors have quickly embraced the new facility. For employees, the new building has been especially meaningful. Compared to previous workspaces that felt cramped and inefficient, the new branch provides thoughtfully designed staff areas that support both collaboration and day-to-day operations.

For Nelson, one of the most rewarding aspects of the project was seeing years of planning become reality. Having previously worked with both the library system and the architectural team, RTL was able to build on existing relationships and help ensure the final design reflected the community’s needs.

“Once you see it open and people using it the way you intended, it’s very gratifying,” Nelson said. “You get personally invested. We want them to have what they need and want.”

The Northchase Branch demonstrates how thoughtful planning, community engagement, and strong partnerships can transform even a challenging site into a vibrant community destination—one designed not only for today’s residents, but for the generations who will use it in the years ahead.