Modernising library spaces
Some recent news posts illustrate how library services are meeting budget challenges to focus on libraries’ wider community function as ‘universal spaces’.
17/09/2018
Helsinki's library of the future
Helsinki Central Library - known as Oodi - will open December 2018. Princh interviewed its Director, Anna-Maria Soininvaara.
20/08/2018
A library under the stars
Demco Interiors has completed the design and interior furnishing of the new build Space, Science and Study Centre at the Winston Churchill School, Woking.
16/08/2018
How a corridor became a learning street
Great Ouse Primary Academy, Bedfordshire, not only features a centrally located Learning Resource Centre but an interactive ‘learning street’ extending from it.
30/07/2018
Greener libraries worldwide
The IFLA Green Library Award for 2018 has been won by Foshan Library in Guangdong province, China, for its commitment to sustainability principles.
27/07/2018
Merton’s first sensory library
Children in Merton can now immerse themselves in the wonderful world of make-believe at the new sensory library in Morden.
19/07/2018
Creating a circular shelving system
A project to maximise the space within a round room, making the most of the curves yet maintaining the amount of light to create a welcoming library space.
17/07/2018
York's new community hub
The new Explore Centre in York combines library, café and hi-tech community hub, created on the site of the former Burnholme Community College.
28/06/2018
Notts inspires!
Ruddington, Mansfield Woodhouse and Ravenshead libraries have been refurbished by Nottinghamshire’s Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries.
25/06/2018
Ireland's public libraries 2022
Ireland launches its new strategy for libraries, abolishing fines and extending opening hours as part of its 2022 vision for a more open library system.
18/06/2018
Help build a library in Nepal
An enterprising voluntary outfit in the UK is raising funds to create a library for children in remote villages in earthquake-hit Nepal.
14/06/2018
Mind-building in Finland
Finland's recent exhibition at the 2018 Venice Biennale was a tribute to public libraries and library architects.
05/06/2018
New wave of funding for Welsh libraries
The Transformation Capital Grant Programme supports museums, archives and libraries to transform services and ensure their future sustainability.
28/05/2018
Co-creating sixth form study space
Roundhay School Secondary Campus, Leeds, has the largest sixth form in the city with over 500 students. Demco Interiors has designed its modern study space.
10/05/2018
Sutton Coldfield library reborn
Refurbished Sutton Coldfield town centre library, incorporating the Little Green Bookworm play café, has opened today, thanks to an inspiring collaboration.
03/04/2018
Essex opens Chelmsford families hub
Chelmsford’s new children’s library and local hub for family services has officially opened following a £316,000 makeover.
29/03/2018
Libraries need to evolve digitally
While most library users are happy with the physical spaces of libraries, far fewer are satisfied with their online experience, according to a new report.
08/03/2018
Ten public libraries in Belgium
A fascinating tour of specialist subject libraries in Belgium, from architecture to feminism, to art - highlighting the continuing relevance of libraries.
05/03/2018
Public Library of the Year Award
Applications are now open for the international award, presented by IFLA and sponsored by the IT company, Systematic.
02/03/2018
Keeping pace with digital
But it is not just the technology that has changed — the way people use libraries and their spaces is changing dramatically.
26/02/2018
Colliers Wood new library opens
Merton Council has opened a brand new purpose-built library in the centre of Colliers Wood to replace the former Donald Hope Library.
07/02/2018
Early Carnegie library to be restored
Greenwich is to go ahead with plans to transform Plumstead's Carnegie library building into a multi-functional library, leisure, cultural and sports centre.
23/01/2018
Refurbished library opens in Hexham
The newly refurbished Queen’s Hall in Hexham has re-opened. The historic building now houses the town’s library, customer and visitor information centre.
22/01/2018