Mason City Public Library

The board of the library came to Holabird & Root with a desire to modernize their worn 1939 building. Through focus groups and an extensive community outreach process, led by Maria Segal as Senior Project Designer, a master plan was developed calling for a complete transformation of the facility into a community center for lifelong learning. After supporting the library’s trustees during a fundraising and public referendum process, a full renovation and addition project was designed and implemented.

With the new central café and social gathering space, called the Commons, and its re-organized circulation connecting all first floor spaces along a main corridor, the building has become a dynamic community hub. Fully re-organized and modernized throughout with current technology and culture woven into the restored historic spaces, the library features programs and services for all ages. Reading rooms overlooking the wooded creek, children’s storytelling spaces surrounded by windows, diverse types of public meeting spaces, historic archives, genealogical resources, and a unique Autograph collection makes this public building a rich cultural and historic gem.