Mariners Public Library
Overview
Mariners Harbor Public Library is an $8.4 million building inspired by the rich maritime heritage of Staten Island's Mariners Harbor neighborhood. A single-story branch library situated on a 16,000-square foot plot, Mariners Harbor is the thirteenth branch of the New York Public Library on Staten Island and will serve some 30,000 people.
Vision
The state-of-the-art building is designed to resemble the larger and smaller halves of an open oyster shell, in tribute to the area's history as a 19th-century oyster-harvesting community. The larger half is devoted to public space, including a circulation desk, various reading rooms and multipurpose rooms. The smaller half houses support services.
Value
Design elements such as glass walls and skylights let in abundant natural light, minimizing the need for overhead lighting and maximizing energy efficiency. Further, the preservation of mature trees gives the building the benefit of natural shade.
