Mesa Public Library 

By Edith Cherry and James See – October 15, 2021

Address:  2400 Central Ave, Los Alamos, NM  87544

Access: Web Site     Phone:  505 662-8250

The architecture of Mesa Public Library is composed of two major elements: a long, wedge-shaped volume pointing toward north, and a segment of a circle that includes almost a 150 degree panorama of the Jemez Mountains.  The site is wooded and slopes down to the north.  The building was carefully placed to minimize the impact of the building on the forest. The entry is on the second level allowing the first level to take advantage of the slope of the hill.

The southern base of the wedge is a porte cochere protecting the entry.  The wedge is made of concrete block.  The circular segment is faced with a colored panel on the south and cast-in-place concrete on the curved edge. To the west of the wedge is a courtyard that provides a comfortable, outdoor waiting area even in the winter. To the east of the wedge is a triangular skylight allowing morning sun to enter the building the second and third levels.

At the juncture of the wedge and the curved segment, a circular “pivot” houses a two- story volume. One can stand on the south edge of this circle and see through a series of openings northward within the wedge. Beyond the inner circle on two floors are stacks and reading desks where one can look out at the panorama. To the east of the wedge is a triangular skylight and two-story opening that provides natural light to the second and first level. The third level houses administration and an art gallery.

Competed:  1994
Architect: Antoine Predock Architect, PC 
Contractor: Seeking info.

Learn More:  Mesa Library – Predock Mesa Library Site

10/15/20 21