Willard Library

Expansion & Renovation

Willard Library, founded by philanthropist William Carpenter in 1884, is the oldest library in Indiana and is considered a nationally recognized historic landmark. With limited space available for use by staff and the community, an addition to the existing library was necessary. The challenge for Hafer was to add more space that would complement the existing architectural character of the historic library and not disrupt the original building and attached park. A below-grade addition was created and surrounded by a Victorian garden wall bordered by planting beds and fountains.

The interior space of the addition was designed to match the 1800’s style and contains an archives reading room, archives collection, storage, and miscellaneous office space. It also contains a gallery filled with unique, rarely seen Evansville treasures, where lectures and presentations can be held. Now complete, Willard Library serves as a destination point offering a memorable meeting space for their rapidly expanding programs.