SE Valley Times

Mesa’s newest library has won a 2024 Library Interior Design Award from the Commercial Interior Design Association (IIDA) and the American Library Association (ALA). The biennial IIDA/ALA competition recognizes excellence in library interior design and promotes examples of innovative design concepts in seven categories. The Gateway Library, which will be located at 5036 S. Eastmark Parkway in Southeast Mesa, was one of two winners in the “On the Boards” category, recognizing projects not yet built.

“We are honored by this recognition and excited about having an architecturally stunning library that will delight our visitors,” said Polly Bonnett, Mesa Public Library Director. “In addition to being an impressive building, the Gateway Library will bring much-needed, innovative library services to this part of Mesa that will impact generations to come.”

The Gateway Library was designed by Richärd Kennedy Architects and White Baux Studio Interior Design. The state-of-the-art facility, which will be Mesa’s first new full-service library in more than 25 years, will be approximately 28,000 square feet and feature an open concept with rows of books and other materials under a high ceiling and bright lights. It will include a multi-purpose room, THINKspot collaborative workspace and makerspace, and specific areas for library books and resources for adults, teens, and children. Other features will include a digital art display wall, outdoor reading patio, and outdoor plaza for community events.

Mesa Public Library’s Gateway Library project was honored this past weekend at the annual ALA conference in San Diego. The new library is scheduled to open in the summer of 2025. Funding for Gateway Library comes from both the 2018 General Obligation Bond approved by voters and construction sales tax. The library is being built by Willmeng Construction. The award-winning projects will be featured in a future issue of American Libraries Magazine and on IIDA.org.