In North America, new central Libraries are being planned or undergoing major expansions in Halifax, Ottawa, Austin, New York and Philadelphia, to name a few. Abroad, cities like Singapore, Sendai, Birmingham and Brisbane have opened or are opening major new libraries that speak to the importance of this cultural and educational institution in today’s world.
Architects: Jo Coenen and Co.
301,400 sq. ft.
Opened: July 2007
As the largest public library in Europe, this spacious Library is spread over 10 floors, and includes over 1300 seats, 600 computer stations, an auditorium, the Library Museum, 1200 parking stalls and 2000 bicycle parking spaces. The architect's vision was to create a building where space and light are central to the users’ experience. To help achieve this, the Library has various terraces situated in a high atrium reached by luminous escalators that guide visitors upwards in the building. A roof-top restaurant complements the experience of visiting this 21st century library.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Architects: Snøhetta/Hamza Consortium, Architects and Engineers
215, 285 sq. ft.
Opened: October, 2002
One of the marvels of this century is that the world’s greatest Library and history’s most celebrated centre of learning has been rebuilt after being destroyed more than 1600 years ago. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina recaptures a myth and gives it a physical form which includes a planetarium, two museums, two permanent exhibitions, a conference center, a performing arts center, and seven research centers. This magnificent Egyptian Library pays homage to the past, while providing a contemporary centre for community dialogue and the timeless pursuit of knowledge.
Architect: Patkau Architects/Croft Pelletier Architectes/Menkès Shooner Dagenais Architectes Associés
350,000 sq. ft.
Opened: April, 2005
(Photo courtesy of Patkau Architects)
Heralded as one of Canada’s exceptional cultural salons, the Grande Bibliothèque in Montreal brings together two remarkable collections in a user-friendly Public Library and a resource-rich National Library. The inspiration for the warm birch wood interior comes from Quebec writer, Anne Hebert’s famous novel, Les Chambres de Bois (The Silent Rooms). The level of detail in both the architecture and the furniture contributes to an inviting and much loved community gathering place, with over 8,000 visitors per day.
Indianapolis Marion County Public Library
Architects: Woollen Molzan and Partners Inc.
294,000 sq. ft.
Opened: December, 2007
This dramatic expansion and renovation of the 1917 Beaux Art Library, not only redefines the building but also reimagines the role of the Central Library in a revitalized and vibrant downtown. The heart of the six-story wing includes the “Learning Curve” which incorporates the best practices of museums, classrooms and libraries to provide children engaging learning opportunities and preparation for an information society. The new wing is awash in light, and confirms that Libraries today are about connections and engagement, rather than refuge and retreat.
Architects: Cesar Pelli & Associates
353,000 sq. ft.
Opened: May, 2006
(Photo courtesy of Tim Kiser, Wikimedia Commons)
Designed by world renowned architect, Cesar Pelli, this post-modern library combines blond wood, fritted glass and steel framing with geometry-defying angles. Walkways flank a grand internal main street that fills with thousands of visitors each day, reflecting the community aspect of modern libraries. The building is designed for adaptability and longevity with no interior load bearing walls and a host of sustainable features including a roof garden.
