The Fulton County Library System has announced the grand re-opening of the newly renovated Southwest Library, located at 3665 Cascade Road SW, Atlanta 30331, which will take place on Tuesday, July 2 at 11:30 a.m. In addition to unveiling the renovation, the library will also be renamed in honor of the late Evelyn Lowery, changing the name of the facility to the Evelyn G. Lowery Library at Southwest. The celebration will include a program in front of the library with local officials and community leaders, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, unveiling of the newly named building, tours of the new library, as well as light refreshments for guests.
“In addition to re-opening this exciting new space, the community surrounding the Southwest Library has come together to honor the legacy of the late Evelyn Lowery, by renaming this neighborhood gem to the Evelyn G. Lowery Library at Southwest. We are pleased to join the residents of the Southwest neighborhood in honoring Ms. Lowery,” said Library Director, Dr. Gabriel Morley.
The Southwest Library is the fourth library in Phase II of the Library Building Program to re-open, since construction began in late summer of 2018. The Design/Build team of Hogan Construction, mcmillan|pazdan|smith architecture and Chasm Architecture provided all design, engineering and construction services for the newly renovated library. Heery/Russell, a Joint Venture was the program management team. Phase II of the Library Building Program consists of 23 library branch renovations and the renovation of the Central Library and Administration HQ for the Library System.
“A community library branch is an invaluable resource to children and adults alike,” said Joe Alcock, Project Architect and Office Director for McMillan Pazdan Smith. “Alongside our design partners Chasm Architecture , we are proud to help update this local asset and look forward to watching friends and neighbors use it for years to come.”
The Southwest Library is a 27,270 square foot facility. The renovations consist of upgrades to the building envelope including new windows and upgrading the Technology and MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) systems. Also, the design incorporates new furniture, fixtures and equipment and defined spaces for library patrons. In the main atrium space, the Information desk is centrally located to serve as a welcome center providing easier access and better visibility for patrons and staff. To the right of the main atrium space are the Meeting Rooms, Friends of the Library Bookstore, and Children’s Area. To the left of the atrium the new space incorporates a Teens Area, Group Study Rooms, Technology Zone, Computer Instruction Lab, Cafe and the main Adult Area. Also incorporated are additional computers, self-check stations, community display screen, and feature art wall.
The improvements to the Southwest Library will allow for patrons and residents of the City of Atlanta’s Southwest neighborhood and beyond to continue their use of the library as a community gathering space, educational centerpiece and technology and information hub. In addition to the various library services, the Library has partnered with the Fulton County Department of Arts and Culture to install public art throughout the library, as part of Fulton County’s commitment to supporting the arts in every County facility. For more information about the County’s Public Art Program, visit www.fultonarts.org.
Residents will have the opportunity to test out all the new technology and services, along with guided tours by library volunteers, during the grand re-opening celebration, while joining in the unveiling of the newly named Evelyn Lowery Library at Southwest.