Completed 2021
21,000 square feet
New Construction

LEED Silver Certified

2021 AIA New England Citation Award

2022 Woodworks Wood Design Award

2022 BSA Honor Award for Design Excellence

2023 American Architecture Honor Award

Photography Credit: Chuck Choi

Drawing inspiration from the natural qualities of the wooded site, the 21,000 sq ft library functions as a new and vibrant community center for residents of Norwell. Opened in 2021, the single-story library is comprised of three distinct wings organized around a central rain garden. Recognizing that the library is located within a sensitive wetland ecosystem, the building is strategic in its placement and response to the site. As part of its sustainability effort, the central rain garden acts as a filtering depository for rain fall before it is redistributed back to the surrounding wetlands. More broadly speaking, the central rain garden establishes an experimental narrative for library visitors, delaying the most expansive views of the site until one progresses through the lobby into the main reading and meeting rooms. With ample light and thoughtful connections to the outdoors, the new Norwell Public Library aims to be a pleasant and productive space for visitors of all ages.