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FGMA Architect Lori Everett Contributes to New Edition of Book: Introduction to Public Librarianship
Public libraries continue to evolve alongside the communities they serve, creating places where people can learn, connect and access resources throughout every stage of life. For FGMA Vice President and Architect Lori Everett, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, public library planning and design has been a focus throughout much of her career. Now, she is sharing that experience with the next generation of library professionals.
Lori contributed a chapter to the recently published edition of Introduction to Public Librarianship, a resource used by library professionals and students in American Library Association-accredited Library and Information Sciences programs at colleges and universities across the country.
Her chapter, “Space and Place: Public Library Buildings,” explores the changing role of libraries as community resource hubs, service centers and resilient civic spaces. Drawing from her experience in long-range library planning and design, Lori offers guidance for creating welcoming, adaptable environments that reflect the people and communities they serve.
For Lori, contributing to the book was an opportunity to bring an architect’s perspective to a conversation that extends well beyond the building itself.
“I am honored to have been given the opportunity to put an architect's voice to the process of engaging the community and creating libraries that are welcoming, inclusive and adaptable, positioning them to remain at the heart of the communities they serve for decades to come,” Lori said.
Designing Libraries Around Community Needs
That focus on listening to communities is central to Lori’s approach to library design. Each library serves people with distinct needs, priorities and aspirations. Thoughtful planning begins with understanding those perspectives, then translating what we learn into spaces that can support both today’s services and opportunities still to come.
Through her contribution to Introduction to Public Librarianship, Lori extends that community-centered approach beyond FGMA’s projects, helping future librarians and industry professionals consider how the places they create and steward can strengthen connections, expand access and continue serving their communities for generations.
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