Capitol Hill Library
Originally built in 1951, the Capitol Hill Library required a complete overhaul to remain relevant. The building lacked modern infrastructure, flexible programming space, and a welcoming identity for the surrounding neighborhood. Access, parking, and visibility further limited its role as a community anchor.
Guernsey led a comprehensive redesign as Architect of Record, executing a 10,000-square-foot full interior renovation alongside a complete exterior transformation. The strategy was decisive: strip the facility to its concrete structure, upgrade core systems, and expand to support contemporary library services.
The site itself was rethought. The entrance was relocated to improve accessibility and parking, directly addressing barriers to use. Design direction drew from a defining local moment, the 1910 flight of Oklahoma’s first airplane on the site. Aviation-inspired elements were integrated throughout, creating a cohesive identity without sacrificing function. Lighting, structural treatments, and window forms subtly reinforce this theme.
The renovation introduced a new addition to house modern library functions while preserving and upgrading the original structure. The facility now supports a full spectrum of community needs:
- Dedicated teen area with study spaces, computers, and booths
- Children’s outdoor patio, secure and accessible
- 27 adult computer stations
- 20 iPads available for check-out
- A collection of 3,000 Spanish-language books, representing one-third of the system’s total
Administrative and support functions were also modernized, ensuring operational efficiency alongside public-facing improvements.
The Capitol Hill Library now operates as a contemporary, inclusive learning environment. The redesign resolved access issues, expanded capacity, and established a clear architectural identity tied to local history. It functions not just as a library, but as a civic space that supports education, technology access, and community connection.