Public libraries are often considered a place to borrow books and read. However, modern libraries have evolved into transformative community spaces. They routinely host exciting workshops and offer interactive design features that stimulate imagination. Three innovative libraries embodying these values are the Biblioteca Gabriel García Márquez in Barcelona, Parramatta Library in Australia, and Shanghai Library East in China.
The Biblioteca Gabriel García Márquez in Barcelona is a £10m library located in the Sant Martí de Provençals area. The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions named it the “best new public library in the world”. The assemblage’s wooden construction is reminiscent of an open stack of books. The library has a ground floor Ideas Forum, a reading room on the sixth floor, and has an emphasis on learning and social connections. Workshops are held to promote creativity, teach new languages and encourage cooking skills.
Parramatta Library in Parramatta, Australia opened last year. The 65,000 books are housed in the community, cultural, and civic hub hosted by PHIVE. French architect Manuelle Gautrand designed the building. It has a bold, sustainable design with solar collectors on the sloping, mosaic-like roof. Giant louvre windows smart-linked to Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology open and close automatically in tune with the weather. The library offers book clubs, creative writing workshops, author talks, 3D printing sessions, and an on-site cafe.
Shanghai Library East building, the biggest library in China and the second largest globally, opened earlier this year. The building comprises 115,000 m2 with 4.8 million books, an exhibition space, a theatre, and a children’s library. The entire design, including an external printed marble and glass exterior, was inspired by scholar’s rocks or Taihu stones. It aims to host more than 1,200 events and welcome four million visitors annually.
With innovative programming and interactive design, public libraries have become essential hubs for learning and social engagement. Though these libraries’ architecture is impressive, they are only the tip of the iceberg of what libraries can offer
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