The City of Carlsbad commissioned Group 4 to renovate two of its three libraries to modernize library service, improve operations, and freshen the library experience while preserving the desirable qualities of the two buildings. The renovations introduced a variety of new user group spaces, collaborative work spaces, and a 21st century service model, almost entirely within the buildings’ original walls.

Modernization included construction of dedicated meeting rooms, study rooms, and teen spaces, FF&E, improvements to back-of-house spaces, exterior repairs and upgrades, ADA upgrades, and incorporation of modern mechanical, low voltage, and fire prevention systems. At Cole, an underused central courtyard was incorporated into a contiguous library interior, dramatically opening the space and establishing stronger connections between floors.