Starkey Ranch Library Garners National Attention For Design

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — Pasco County's newly opened Starkey Ranch Theatre Library and Culture Center is getting some national recognition for its unique design.

Pasco County Libraries announced the library is featured in Library Journal’s “Year in Architecture 2021” issue.

The library, which opened in August 2021, is recognized by the magazine for incorporating nature in its design. The use of soft, natural light in the lobby and natural wood in the main entryways are designed to help connect people with the outdoor environment.

“To be recognized by such a distinguished publication as Library Journal is quite an honor for Pasco County Libraries,” said Communications Program Manager Bob Harrison. “We’re proud of the innovative design of the Starkey TLC and how the community has responded to it.”

The library was built in conjunction with, and partially funded by, Pasco County Schools, and serves as the Starkey kindergarten through eighth grade school’s media center. The general contractor for the project was the Walbridge Group, and the architect was FleischmanGarcia Architecture, both of Tampa.

The Starkey Ranch TLC joins three other libraries in being featured for reflecting nature in building design: Brooklyn Public Library’s Greenpoint Library and Environmental Education Center, The Newark Public Library in New Jersey and the Ledding Library in Milwaukie, Oregon.

See related stories:

• Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center Now Open
• First-Of-Its Kind Magnet School Opens Next To New Starkey Theatre