Cordogan Clark partnered with the Sugar Grove Public Library to create its new library as a vibrant, welcoming civic destination-one that supports lifelong learning while strengthening everyday community connections.

Rooted in the library's role as a shared public living room, the design emphasizes transparency, flexibility, and warmth. Clear sightlines, intuitive circulation, and thoughtfully scaled gathering areas invite patrons of all ages to linger-whether reading quietly, collaborating, or participating in programs that extend beyond traditional library functions.

A library that adapts with its community

The project modernizes the library experience while respecting its civic character. Flexible spaces support evolving technology, informal learning, and community events, ensuring the building can grow alongside the needs of Sugar Grove's residents. Material selections and daylighting strategies reinforce a sense of calm and approachability, while durable finishes ensure long-term performance.

NowSpace Cafe: a new social heart

The most recent addition to the library is the NowSpace Cafe, a thoughtfully integrated cafe that transforms the library into an even more dynamic community hub. Designed as an extension of the library's mission, the cafe creates a welcoming threshold between study and social interaction-supporting casual meetings, intergenerational conversations, and longer visits. The cafe's placement and design encourage natural flow between reading areas, collaborative zones, and public programs, reinforcing the library's role as both an intellectual and social anchor. Warm finishes, comfortable seating, and visual connections to the library interior ensure the cafe feels like an organic part of the whole, not an add-on.

Lasting impact

The Sugar Grove Library demonstrate how thoughtful design can expand the role of a civic institution-blending learning, culture, and community life under one roof. The Sugar Grove Public Library now serves not only as a place for books and information, but as a welcoming destination where the community gathers, connects, and grows.