December 4, 2015

The North Carolina Public Library Directors Association (NCPLDA) has recognized the Catawba County Library System with its New or Improved Facility Award for the recently completed 10,000 square-foot Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library. The community’s original branch library was built in 1980 and expanded in 1990; however, with just 2,675 square feet of space and a service area that was expected to grow by 30% by 2018, the community needed a larger facility. The new state-of-the-art branch addresses the immediate and future needs of this growing community with architecture, public spaces, and furnishings to enhance services for this growing part of the county.

The building was designed by Jenkins-Peer Architects, with significant community input into the planning for the design. Interior design for the Sherrills Ford-Terrell Library drew inspiration from the natural beauty of Catawba County and nearby Lake Norman, with a setting appealing to all age groups and timeless in its design. Natural light was a key aspect of the overall interior design, with clerestory windows to allow for natural light to “filter” into the space at all times of the day.

With a small footprint, the space is enhanced by an open and inviting interior with visibility from one side of the building to the other. Additionally, much of the shelving is low and moveable, for space versatility. The majority of the furnishings are also on wheels to allow the staff to move the furniture as needs change, and providing for utmost future flexibility.

Sustainable design principles including optimizing natural light, locally sourced building materials and furniture, high-efficiency HVAC, and reduced water consumption are incorporated throughout the facility, which is registered with the US Green Building Council and is pursuing LEED Silver Certification.
Library Director Suzanne White noted, “We are delighted to be recognized. Our new branch at Sherrills Ford-Terrell creates a contemporary, light-filled environment filled with inviting collaborative spaces throughout. The community has embraced it wholeheartedly. Importantly, too, the branch exemplifies our mission to help empower lives and build community by bringing people, information, and ideas together.”