The design of this 22,000 S.F. library facility was awarded first place in a national competition. Cordogan, Clark and Associates was selected by the design architects, Spangler, Semler, Schlenker of Philadelphia, and by the Matteson Public Library Board of Directors, to work with them through Schematic Design and Design Development Phases, and to provide full construction documents, specifications, and contract administration services, including services for interior design and furnishings. Our firm also provided full structural engineering services for this challenging design.

The design creates a dignified civic image and a meaningful sense of place for its suburban site through the shaping of external and internal spaces. A restrained monumentality is created through a series of hierarchically organized volumes. The building enfronts a civic court, which is designed to accommodate a variety of community activities appropriate to promoting use of the library and to reinforce its importance as a civic symbol.

Internally, a central lobby separates library functions and staff work area. This arrangement affords the staff visual control and immediate access to the various service areas. Flexible arrangements of programmed functions are made possible, with all internal spaces afforded a variety of natural lighting. This facility's public meeting room may be separately accessed from the library proper; or may be secured to permit independent access.

Special care was taken with the structural construction, waterproofing, and mechanical considerations for the below-grade public room and storage areas.

Matteson Public Library has received two design awards from the American Institute of Architects.