Mesa’s Gateway Library wins prestigious international design award

Mesa’s newest library, Gateway Library, has won a 2026 Library Interior Design Award from the International Interior Design Association and the American Library Association.

The biennial IIDA/ALA competition recognizes excellence in library interior design and promotes examples of creative design concepts in nine categories, according to a release.

Gateway Library, 5036 S. Eastmark Parkway in southeast Mesa, was one of two winners in the “Public Libraries—30,000 Square Feet and Under” category. Entries were reviewed by a jury of interior design and library professionals.

“We are honored by this recognition and so proud to have this stunning library in Mesa,” Mesa Public Library Director Polly Bonnett said in the release. “In addition to making a visual impression, the building’s innovative design makes it possible for us to provide forward-thinking library services that will impact generations to come.”

The Gateway Library was designed by Richärd Kennedy Architects and White Baux Studio Interior Design. The state-of-the-art facility, which was Mesa’s first new full-service library in 30 years, is approximately 28,000 square feet and features an open concept with rows of books and other materials under a high, wood ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows. It includes a multipurpose room, THINKspot collaborative workspace and makerspace and specific areas for library books and resources for adults, teens and children. Other features include a digital art display wall, outdoor reading patio and outdoor plaza that can be used for community events.

Mesa Public Library’s Gateway Library project will be honored later this month at the annual ALA conference in Chicago. The new library opened Dec. 6, 2025. The award-winning projects will be featured in a future issue of American Libraries Magazine, and on IIDA.org.

Funding for the Gateway Library was from both the 2018 General Obligation Bond approved by voters and construction sales tax. The library was built by Willmeng Construction.