New York's Public Library's first full-floor dedicated teen space is situated within Harlem's landmark Hamilton Grange Branch. The 4,400sf R+L designed space challenges the norms of library design to provide a contemporary, more open, social, technology-rich environment that fully engages neighborhood youth. The Center's cylindrical glazed media room exposes the physicality of NYPL interactive gaming programs and organizes the spaces around it, including X-Bar computer zone, Highback Reading Lounge, Exam Study Niche, and a day-glo Snack & Chat Niche (a 1st time experimental break from the normal prohibitions), rolling L-bracket Lounge, and tiered book stacks. A bamboo bleacher provides access to street views and acts as both a sunny hang-out zone and large group seating area for live performance and screenings.

The project has been recognized by both the library and architectural design communities with the 2014 International ALA/IIDA Library Award and the 2013 National AIA/ALA Library Award among others.

Project Architect: Benjamin Cadena.
Project Manager: Karl Larson.
Designer: Andrew Dadds.