Farmington Public Library

By Edith Cherry and Jim See – June-11-2024

 Address:  2101 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, NM  87401

Access: Library website

Telephone: 505-599-1270

With a front door facing east, as do most Diné (formerly called “Navajo”) dwellings, and a central rotunda suggesting a Pueblo kiva form, the Farmington Public Library’s architecture honors the architectural precedents of its neighboring Native American tribes. In addition, the entire library building is surrounded by a public park.

The major stack areas to the north and west radiate from the central rotunda that houses the circulation and information services. This radial pattern takes advantage of natural lighting from the exterior walls and the clerestory windows in the rotunda. Images of local petroglyphs and regional Native American iconography are etched on interior glass panels and display cases. An extensive collection of Pueblo kachinas is housed in this area.

The children’s and teen’s areas use color and playful images drawing the attention of younger patrons to their “turf” in the library. The stack sizes and program areas support their activities. A special story-time space is adjacent. Also, the children’s area opens to an outdoor activities space.

Competed:  2003

Architects:  William Hidell, III
Hidell & Associates Architects   

Project Management Consultants (PMC Inc.)
Terrance Brown, FAIA 

Contractor: Jaynes Corporation 

 Awards:

2004 Best Building Winner – Interiors (New Mexico Building Branch, AGC and NM Business Journal)

 Acknowledgements:  Many thanks to Director Karen McPheeters for her very informative tour of the library on March 23, 2023.

Learn More:

Farmington city website: Public Library 

Wikipedia: Farmington_Public_Library

11/6/2024