The Hopewell Regional Library is located in the heart of the new masterplan for the City of Hopewell. Hopewell is an industrial city located at the confluence of the Appomatox and James Rivers. The tradition of industry and the idea of confluence are celebrated in the design of the library.

The confluence of old and new, young and old, past and present, industry and environment all help to shape the library and the traditions of industry to help to provide character to the building both inside and out.

The exterior facade of the building is reminiscent of the turn of the century warehouses and power plants, with large glazed openings, brick walls, and painted steel framing while the interior of the library is open with exposed structure and mechanical duct work. Balancing the exposed steel are warm wood tones and brick.

Organizing the plan of the building is a meandering river which provides the main circulation for the library.  A secondary river provides access to the second floor, which house the regional library offices. The intersection of these rivers mirrors the confluence of the two rivers which helps to shape Hopewell.

This 2-story, 34,000 s.f. building incorporates the following spaces:
• large adult library;
• children’s library featuring a replica of "The Good Ship Hopewell";
• cyber cafe;
• variety of seating areas;
• computer areas.