Main Library Color Palette

The first thing that strikes many people upon entering Lakewood Public Library’s Main Building for the first time is the bright and airy atmosphere–an effect that was created by architect Robert A.M. Stern’s thoughtful selection of colors for use throughout the building. Stern put as much thought into the careful interplay of light, color and shade within the Library as he did the structural integrity of the walls–and what appears to be a simple scheme at first glance proves to be astonishingly subtle on closer inspection. Where the casual observer might see yellow walls, Stern saw the need for eight different shades of canary, ranging from Pale Moon to Limon. Pairing them with another six shades of white, he added warmth and depth to his already elegant design. He made a large space even bigger and he made it inviting, too–a nice place to sit and read a book.