PIOTR KOWALCZYK UPDATED ON SEP 19, 2015 6,599
Libraries are doing well in digital times. Here are most awesome examples.
Many people, when asked about libraries, imagine old buildings with dimmed light and endless rows of heavy wooden bookshelves.
Libraries are our heritage. They contain all knowledge human kind has acquired. They have to be like that… or maybe not.
See also:Libraries are the avant-garde of civilization. They have to evolve, and look into the future, not only the past.
Modern libraries (and the futuristic building is not a must to make a library modern) are shaping the way we learn things and enjoy books in the digital age. They offer access to books in every possible form and format.
The purpose of this post is to encourage you to visit the library near you. You won’t probably have a chance to go to Singapore and visit Bishan Public Library. On the other side, that library on your street will also welcome you – with a magic of books and the charm of the librarian.
Some of the libraries on the list are obvious, naming only Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library or Yale University Beinecke Rare Book Library. However, I’ve spent a considerable amount of time to dig fantastic libraries in other countries, as well.
As you will see, libraries around the world are heading into the future, creating for their patrons a more dynamic, multi-level environment for learning and pleasure.
I’m sure the library in your neighbourhood has also changed a lot since the last time you visited it.
Read also For the love of libraries: 20 library-themed gifts
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Here are the library gifts ideas, if you want to thank your librarian or share the love for libraries.
25 modern libraries from around the world
1. Library of the Vienna University of Economics, Austria
The Library and Learning Centre of the Vienna University of Economics and Business was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. It rises as a polygonal block from the heart of the new university campus.
The main part of the building houses the service area, the learning centre and the economics library. The library management quarters and student services are located in the smaller block.
The library holds a collection of over 600,000 print books, and almost 100,000 ebooks. It ranks among the most extensive libraries of its kind in the German-speaking world.
⇢ Official website / Photos by Roland Halbe and Iwan Baan
2. Cayenne University Library, French Guiana
The library building in located in the center of the university campus. Its goal is to gather books and readers in a unique place dedicated to knowledge.
The building, designed by rh+ architecture, combines traditional documentation and modern technologies. The interior is mainly an open space with wide reception spaces, diverse reading and research areas.
⇢ More info / Photos by Jean-Michel André
3. Bishan Public Library, Singapore
The Bishan Public Library was opened in September 2006. Designed by LOOK Architects, it’s a metaphor of a tree house. Situated in Singapore, the library is serving the needs of nearby schools and inhabitants of the Bishan area.
The library offers over 250,000 titles spread over four floors and a basement. The windows that protrude out of the building are reading nooks for readers who want to read quietly or use their laptops there.
⇢ Official website / Photos by Patrick Bingham-Hall
4. LiYuan Library, China
Built in 2011 in a small village of Huairou on the outskirts of Beijing, this beautiful nature-inspired library was designed by Li Xiaodong.
The 175-square-meter building’s interior is spatially diverse by using steps and small level changes to create distinct places. The wooden sticks temper the bright light and spread it evenly throughout the space to give a perfect reading ambience. The library has no electricity supply and closes at dusk.
⇢ More info / Photos by Li Xiaodong
5. Katiou Library, Burkina Faso
Designed by Albert Faus, this simple building is an example of a well-thought, inexpensive, yet very functional community library. It was built in Komsliga Department, Burkina Faso, for the total cost of under EUR 20,000.
The bookshelves are built into the walls. This clever idea lets give the walls more thickness and at the same time liberate interior space. Thanks to that the reading desks, and computer stations can be placed in the center.
⇢ More info / Photos by Albert Faus
6. Library of Muyinga, Burundi
Here is another example of the great library recently opened in Africa. Having 140 square meters, the building was designed by BC Architects. The total budget was EUR 40,000.
The library was built with the local know-how and traditions of Muyinga in mind. It’s organized along a circulation space. This “hallway porch” is often a part of the Burundian traditional housing as it provides a shelter from heavy rains and harsh sun.
⇢ More info / Photos by BC Architects
7. Cooroy Library, Australia
This 1,600 square meter building located in Cooroy, Queensland, Australia, houses the town’s public library.
Designed by Brewster Hjorth Architects it is a part of a cultural plan for Cooroy, linking the existing art gallery, main city street, recreational park, and the upgraded rural industry areas.
The library includes a technology center, with digital training rooms, community rooms, community lounge, reading areas and café.
⇢ Official website / Photos by Mushenko and Jackson
8. Warsaw University Library, Poland
Designed by Marek Budzyński and Zbigniew Badowski, the library opened in December 1999. Guests and book-lovers have direct access to the main part of the library’s bounty, which can be reached through the sides of the building – meaning that students occupying the central areas are not disturbed by visitors.
The distinct element of the building is a botanical garden, located on the roof. With an area of one hectare, it’s one of the largest roof gardens in Europe.
⇢ Official website / Photos by Kamil Fortuna and Kim Davies
9. Turku City Library, Finland
Turku City Library, located in the city centre of Turku, is a combination of the old main library building from 1903, and the new addition, designed by JKMM Architects, and finished in 2007.
The new Turku Library is a centre for knowledge, experiences and learning. It’s a common living room for everybody. There are meeting rooms, reading seats and wireless internet all over the library.
⇢ Official website / Photos by Jussi Tiainen and Michael Perlmutter
10. University of Aberdeen New Library, Scotland
Designed by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, and opened for public in September 2012, the new library of the Aberdeen University houses more than 250,000 books and manuscripts.
This 15,500 square meter facility accommodates 14,000 students with 1,200 reading spaces, archives, historical collections and a room for rare books. It is designed to provide for students a 21st-century learning and research experience.
⇢ Official website / Photos by Adam Mørk
