Martha Riley wins Best Community Impact Project

Roseville, Calif.- The Martha Riley Community Library and Utility Exploration Center was honored Feb. 27 as the ‘Best Community Impact Project’ at the annual Sacramento Business Journal Project of the Year Awards.

The multi-use facility is a 32,600 square-foot two-story branch library facility designed to complement an adjacent sports complex and contribute to the City’s vision of a vital community hub at Roseville’s Mahany Park.

‘The facility offers our residents and guests so much in one location,’ said Roseville Mayor Gina Garbolino. ‘From reading to recreation and environmental education to the new public-access cable studio, the facility’s design supports a variety of uses and adapts to so many needs, even serving as our emergency operations center in times of crisis.  It’s a welcoming destination that builds community in an environmentally responsible manner.’

The City’s inspiration for the Library was the idea of a contemporary, up-tempo, entertainment style environment that competes with local bookstores and coffee-houses as the ‘place-to-go.’   Whether seeking a conversation place, an interactive media experience, or quiet reading and study areas, the facility accommodates the various functions by catering to age-group specific needs in an open and fluid progression. 

The Utility Exploration Center showcases the work of City utility providers with displays and exhibits that offer insights into the practical and theoretical sciences behind electricity service, water supply, and solid waste recycling/ disposal. The building is also undergoing process to become a LEED-certified building, meaning it uses environmentally sustainable construction and materials.

‘The City is very pleased that the Sacramento Business Journal selected the Martha Riley Community Library to receive the Best Community Impact Award,’ said Community Services Director/Assistant City Manager Mike Shellito.  ‘I believe the judges recognized the potential that the facility has educating children and adults about the importance of conserving our natural resources and being better stewards of the earth through the Utility Exploration Center.  In our first year, the Martha Riley Community Library had 300,000 visitors, and has been a huge success. Our architect, Williams and Paddon, and our contractor Carter Kelly helped build this outstanding new public facility for Roseville and the region.’