Old Wal-Mart Turned into New Library

The country’s largest single-story library can now be found in McAllen, Texas. This town really knows how to recycle and reuse—they turned a 124,500 sq. ft. Wal-Mart into a public library. That is roughly the size of 2 ½ football fields! How did they turn such an enormous, vast, awkward space into use as a place that fosters creativity and knowledge? They used basic elements of design. By painting the whole interior one color—white, readers don’t feel like they are in a warehouse. Designers also sectioned off the library with specific colors, giving the wide space organization and structure.

The McAllen Main Library was the recipient of the 2012 Library Interior Design Awards. To see pictures and read more about it, click here!