Overview
Renovation project includes:
- Outdoor improvements to landscaping, sidewalks, exterior lighting, and repaving the parking lot
- Interior improvements to the entrance, upgrading the elevator, restrooms, community room, flexible learning spaces, children’s area, shelving arrangement redesign, and improved staff spaces
- Updating building systems, including: life safety systems, improved HVAC, replacing existing boiler, installing surveillance and access control, electrical, lighting, IT, and communication systems
- Providing new interior finishes, furniture, fixtures, and signage
Address: 4310 East Amherst Avenue
Year opened: 1962
Last renovation: 1994
Square footage: 21,143 sq. ft.
History
The Ross-University Hills Branch Library was dedicated in June 1962. Designed by Alfred Watts Grant and Associates, the building features red brick with green stone aggregate ornamentation and an open ground floor plan and was the last of four libraries financed by the Frederick R. Ross Trust. The branch last underwent a renovation in 1994 and included major interior and exterior renovations designed by Michael Brendle Architects.
Geometric, a wood sculpture by artist Wang Po Shu, can be found outside the library.
The branch serves a diverse service area including families with children across a range of ages, singles and married couples without children, college students and seniors. Families represent a large segment of their customers. The branch’s collection and programs reflect the neighborhood’s diversity and address their needs and interests.
Community Input
Attendees at the Ross-University Branch Library community conversation shared wishes for a livable and welcoming community amidst equal concerns about development and gentrification. They discussed the need for a community gathering space where residents can come together, meet neighbors and develop stronger voices on community development issues. They would like to see additional hours so that the library can truly be a community hub whenever people need it.