IMEG provided engineering design and services for a new library facility that replaced the City of Arlington’s 40-year-old building. Each level of the new 81,000-sf library was designed to meet the needs of a variety of visitors. The first floor features a children’s area with a “Discover Wall” designed for learning and playing; the second floor houses a makerspace with sewing machines and 3D printers, a young adult/teen section, and an adult education center with classrooms and open workspace; the third floor features an outdoor garden and event space. The new library also includes a cafe, bookstore, and other dedicated areas: 

• Public computing including desktops, tablets, and wireless technologies
• Meeting spaces, including 10 small group study rooms, six classrooms, two conference rooms, a dividable multi-purpose room, and a quiet reading room
• Genealogy and local history space with materials, displays, computers, and study areas
• Literacy and workforce development area for tutoring and study
• Funding Information Center for small businesses and non-profits

The building’s sustainable features include a rooftop solar array; seed library; sustainability shop with recycled items, such as tote bags and water bottles; bike share station; and butterfly garden.

Engineers provided MEP system design and performance specifications for fire alarm and fire protection, as well as lighting calculations and design recommendations. IMEG also provided energy modeling for the facility, which is seeking LEED Silver certification.