Desmond-Fish Public Library’s Solar Pavilion Comes to Life During Summer Book Sale

The new solar pavilion at the Desmond-Fish Public Library in Garrison, New York, has quickly become a vibrant gathering place for the community. Designed by Janko Rasic Architects, the timber-framed pavilion recently welcomed visitors during the Friends of the Library’s annual Summer Book Sale, providing a comfortable, shaded venue for one of the library’s most anticipated events.

Located adjacent to the library, the three-season pavilion was conceived as a flexible outdoor space capable of accommodating a wide variety of activities throughout the year. Developed through a collaborative planning process with the Library’s Board of Trustees, staff, the Friends of the Library, and community members, the pavilion is designed to support book sales, lectures, children’s programs, community meetings, and informal gatherings. An enclosed storage area provides dedicated space for materials associated with the Friends’ annual book sales while supporting the pavilion’s year-round functionality.

The timber-framed structure is topped with a south-facing photovoltaic solar array that generates renewable electricity for the library while providing a welcoming, shaded outdoor space. The pavilion reflects the library’s commitment to both environmental stewardship and community engagement. With construction substantially complete, the final phase of the project will include architectural lighting that will extend the pavilion’s use into the evening hours and further enhance the campus.

For Janko Rasic Architects, the project represents a meaningful collaboration with an institution that has long served as a cultural and educational anchor for the Garrison community.

“The greatest compliment we could receive is seeing people enjoying the space,” said Timothy Rasic, AIA, CPHC, LFA of Janko Rasic Architects. “Hearing that visitors appreciate the timber craftsmanship, find refuge under its roof on a warm summer day, and gather there for community events confirms that the pavilion is fulfilling exactly the purpose for which it was designed.”

As the pavilion begins its first full season of use, it is already demonstrating how thoughtful architecture can strengthen community life by creating a welcoming place where neighbors can gather, learn, celebrate, and connect for generations to come. The pavilion will continue to host the Friends of the Library’s seasonal book sales and a growing calendar of community programs.

For Book Sale dates, visit the Desmond-Fish Public Library Events Calendar: https://desmondfishlibrary.org/event/friends-of-the-library-pavilion-book-sale/2026-07-10/