The largest branch in the St. Louis County Library system, the Clark Family Branch Library, has opened its doors in Ladue, Mo., marking a significant milestone in the district's "Your Library Renewed" initiative. The two-story, 78,000 SF facility, designed by Lamar Johnson Collaborative (LJC), replaces a previous building that served the community for over 60 years.
Located on an 8-acre site at 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., the branch is a modern hub for learning, collaboration, and community engagement. Its design blends stone, glass, wood, and steel, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Natural light, high ceilings, and open, flexible spaces emphasize its connection to both its natural surroundings and the community's needs.
The Clark Family Branch Library serves as the district's flagship facility, offering a wide range of amenities. Highlights include age-specific areas for children and teens, a multipurpose event space, and a history and genealogy center. The Stephany and Richard Kniep Children's Space features interactive exhibits like a magnetic gear wall and touch-screen games, while the Unity Foundation Teen Space includes a creative lab with a 3D printer, recording studios, and collaborative workstations.
Above: Some colorful reading nooks inside the new Clark Branch Family Library . Image credit: Kim Rodgers
For larger gatherings, the branch's 800-seat Post Event Space & Plaza provides flexibility for author events, community meetings, and other programming. The Emerson History & Genealogy Center, one of the largest in the nation, supports family research and digital preservation projects, while the small business center offers educational resources for entrepreneurs.
Outdoor spaces complement the interior design, with a walking path, a reading garden, and a second-level balcony offering opportunities for programming and relaxation. Thoughtful site planning prioritizes accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
Above: Inside the grand hallway of the Clark Family Branch Library, which offers many spaces, including age-specific areas for children and teens, a multipurpose event space, a creative lab, and a history and genealogy center. Image credit: Kim Rodgers
The project was supported by a $6 million donation from the Bob Clark Family, founder and executive chairman of Clayco, a design-build firm. LJC, a subsidiary of Clayco, integrated architecture, interior, and landscape design to create a cohesive, sustainable, and community-focused facility.
The new branch consolidates library functions, with administrative operations moving to a separate building in Frontenac, which LJC also designed. This operational shift optimizes the library system's resources and enhances service delivery.
The completion of the Clark Family Branch Library, part of a decade-long effort to modernize all branches, exemplifies the evolution of libraries into vibrant civic hubs. By balancing cost-efficiency with aspirational design, the project delivers a community asset that embodies the library's mission to inspire and support lifelong learning.
Header image: The Clark Family Branch Library recently opened as the largest branch in the St. Louis County Library system at 78,000 SF. Image credit: Kim Rodgers