The Magnolia library was designed in 1964 by architects Paul Hayden Kirk and Richard Haag, and it won top awards for design from the American Library Association. Designed to blend into its surroundings, it is easy to miss driving by. It was built differently from other libraries at the time. From the sidewalk, a curving brick staircase leads up a path to the front door. The library uses high ceilings lined with wooden beams to give a cozy yet well-light feeling of space.
Benches line the bookshelf cubbies to tuck people away.
Goldmanis recalls children placing books in the clay girl's lap. An abstract, this piece of crisscrossing art was designed especially for the library by famed artist Glenn Alps. The art has had a rough time, though. There was a break-in soon after the library opened. Tables, chairs and another McLauchlan piece, a pair of doves, were stolen.