The firm’s role on this project was development through the conceptual design phase, the largest component of which was the needs assessment necessary for determining the site and programming of the library. Interviews with public focus groups were conducted that provided insight on what programs and events the library should house. Additionally, collaboration with local designer and programming consultant Kathy Page led to the development of a thorough programming document informed by the needs assessment findings. Lastly, analysis and viability confirmation based on needs assessment findings and program development needed to be completed on three proposed downtown Fresno sites. The library district requested implementation of the latest technology, for which a conceptual proposal for an automated sorting system was presented, similar in scale to the one used by Seattle Public Library’s main branch. This level of consideration of early design decisions will place the Fresno Central Public Library at the forefront of large scale public libraries.