Photographs from a recent tour inside the remodeled Lawrence Public Library.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Terra cotta siding and large corner windows provide a dramatic new look to the Lawrence Public Library.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Terra cotta siding and large corner windows provide a dramatic new look to the Lawrence Public Library.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Lawrence library director Brad Allen stands inside an entrance area in the south wing of the library. Book shelves for fiction will be built in to the wall out of frame at right, with windows along the left. Between the two walls will be chairs and tables for the public plus a coffee bar area.

photo by: Mike Yoder

The center core of the library features clearstory light and a large staircase to the lower level that is wide and provides areas for people to sit.

photo by: Mike Yoder

This panorama photograph shows the center core of the library features clearstory light and a large staircase to the lower level. .

photo by: Mike Yoder

Large reading areas, like this one in the northeast corner of the library offer expansive views and plenty of natural light. At left is library director Brad Allen and at right, Sean Zaudke, an architect with Lawrence-based Gould Evans.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Long wings, like this one on the west side of the library, feature narrow horizontal windows, set at varying heights, along the exterior walls, at right, and wooden bookshelf displays built into the walls on the interior walls, at left. Chairs and desks for readers will be spaced throughout the middle of the space.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Lawrence Public Library director Brad Allen passes through the children's section of the library and past one of several cubbies for children to climb into for small reading spaces.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Wood walls and shelves are found throughout the remodeled library.

photo by: Mike Yoder

The self check-out and accounts area has a low ceiling and wood panelling on all surfaces.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Sean Zaudke, an architect with Lawrence-based Gould Evans, stands inside the auditorium space in the newly remodeled library.

photo by: Mike Yoder

The library will include a built-in salt-water fish tank in the space at right.

photo by: Mike Yoder

A recording studio will be equipped with instruments and ready for musicians to record in soundproof rooms on the lower level of the new library.