Forest Park Branch Library

Project Description

Division

Kentucky

General Contractor

Turner Construction Company

Architect

SHP

Owner

The Public Library of Cincinnati

Construction Type

New Construction

Photo credit

Turner Construction Company

Case study

Our team recently completed the roofing work for the Forest Park Branch, the largest location in the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library system. This $19.2 million project is part of the system’s Next Generation Library initiative. 

For this 26,440-square-foot Forest Park Library branch—a modern facility designed to function as a true community hub—Kalkreuth Roofing and Sheet Metal installed more than 11,700 square feet of SBS roofing along with 24,400 square feet of high-performance metal roofing. This combination delivers long-term durability, energy efficiency, and a clean architectural aesthetic that supports the library’s innovative design.

The new Forest Park Library features a dramatic open central courtyard, with the building wrapping around it to create a strong indoor-outdoor connection. To enhance privacy and enclosure while maintaining a welcoming feel, the architectural team designed a canopy that extends around all four sides of the building. This canopy slopes inward to preserve a low, streamlined roofline. Three sides of the canopy form fully covered areas that protect key indoor spaces, while the fourth side transitions into an open trellis, giving the building its signature visual identity and creating an inviting entry point for visitors.

Inside, the building is divided into two primary zones. The first includes enclosed rooms located beneath the lower roof, providing quiet, functional spaces for meetings, study rooms, and specialized programming. The second zone consists of expansive open areas—such as reading rooms, book stacks, and a central marketplace—situated beneath the taller canopy that seamlessly blends with the outdoor environment. Clerestory windows positioned above the lower roof introduce abundant natural light. This brightens the interior and enhances the comfort and energy efficiency of the space.

This thoughtful combination of advanced roofing systems, architectural design, and light-filled interior planning supports the library’s mission as community-focused destination.

Recognition

Earlier this year, the Forest Park Library project earned significant recognition, receiving a Cincinnati Design Award in the Large-Scale Building Architecture category (projects over 10,000 sq. ft.). This award highlights the project’s exceptional design quality, community-focused vision, and its role as a standout architectural achievement within the region.