The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Library Association (ALA) have selected seven projects to receive the 2016 AIA/ALA Library Building Awards. This awards program was developed to encourage and recognize excellence in the architectural design of libraries, reflecting the evolving role of the library as a community space.

© Hedrich Blessing

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Library Association (ALA) have selected seven projects to receive the 2016 AIA/ALA Library Building Awards. This awards program was developed to encourage and recognize excellence in the architectural design of libraries, reflecting the evolving role of the library as a community space.The seven recipients of the AIA/ALA Library Building Awards are:Billings Public Library; Billings, Montana / will bruder+PARTNERS ltd with O2 Architects
© Bill Timmerman

As the only public library serving Montana?s largest metropolitan area, Billings Public Library stands in the urban heart of the community. The 66,000-square-foot library draws from the geologic uniqueness of the surrounding landscape while creating a radiant atmosphere full of natural light. Day or night, the subtle transparency and glow of the grand reading room casts the library as a warm and inviting pavilion of public purpose to anchor to the northern edge of downtown Billings. Designed with community input the library carries sunlight and shadow with unexpected reflection...