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Latest News
- Trends in Library Design and Technology
- Information Professional Digital Winter 2025 features Designing Libraries Director Ayub Khan discussing trends in library design and technology
- 16 Jan 2026
- SCONUL Library Design Awards 2025
- Winners of the 2025 SCONUL Library Design Awards, which includes a new category for service design this year, alongside the established category
- 28 Nov 2025
- Read Designing Libraries Newsletters
- You Can Read All the Designing Libraries International Newsletters here
New Perspective Articles
- The French National Library is working on an ambitious library project.
- Architect Nadia Perigaud is part of the team in charge of this project for the BnF and she is also part of the IFLA 's design library section.
- Designing Belonging: Reflections from Athens on Libraries
- By Alison Nolan, Chief Executive, Scottish Library & Information Council (SLIC)
Designing Libraries
The centre for library design and innovation: a resource for planning and design, a database of libraries and a marketplace for services
Featured Case Studies
- The Word South Shields Library
- Bruynzeel Storage Systems won the tender to supply all the shelving for the new library and local study centre in The Word
- Northmoor Library, Oldham
- Welcome to the future! Northmoor - a hub of opportunity
- Llanrwst Library, Wales
- A new community hub for rural Conwy when the building which had been the Glasdir Business and Conference Centre in Llanrwst became available.
- The John Rylands Research Institute and Library, Manchester
- Manchester’s renowned John Rylands Library celebrates its 125th anniversary with major refurb to display unseen treasures
- Danum Gallery Library Museum
- Opening the Book was excited to work with Doncaster MBC in creating the new Danum centre, bringing the Central Library, Museum & Art Gallery to one site.
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Library New Extension Floor
- Opened in 2022, the 6th floor extension of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Library includes distinct areas for both collaborative work and quiet study
- Henley Library, Henley-on-Thames
- Henley Library underwent a comprehensive refurbishment to transform it into a vibrant, accessible, and community-centred hub
- Holborn Library, Camden, London
- Where Retro Charm, Inclusive Design, And Cultural Legacy Come Together.
- Gateshead Central Library MakerPlace
- At Gateshead Library, Opening the Book created a successful MakerPlace in their existing Sound Gallery.
- Chorlton Library, Manchester
- Chorlton Library, a historic Grade II-listed landmark in Manchester has been meticulously refurbished to blend heritage with innovation.
- Bradfield College
- A distinguished independent boarding school near Reading, set out to transform a Grade II* listed church into an innovative Study Centre.
- The Amelia Scott Cultural and Learning Hub in Tunbridge Wells
- Transforming old buildings into a new cultural centre in Kent
- St Helier Children's Library, Jersey
- Updating a much-loved children's library
Resources
- Opening the Book Blog - Bringing Your Books Alive
- Designing Libraries sponsors Opening the Book specialise in international reader-centred library design along with training courses for all grades of staff
- Peters' Blog: How To Use Colour Psychology In Your Library
- Peters’ interior designers use colour psychology to inform work they do in schools, seeking to align emotions and behaviours with the purpose of the space.
- Resources for library design
- A reference library of websites, online resources, articles and books related to all aspects of library planning and design.
- Insights in library design
- Creative spaces for kids, learning spaces, revitalised public libraries, sustainable buildings, the future library - insights from our news stories.
Featured Libraries
- Glucksman Library - University of Limerick
- The University of Limerick Glucksman Library's expansion was driven by digital transformation, evolving pedagogies, and a growing, diverse student body.
- De Valera Library and Súil Art Gallery Ennis, Co Clare, Ireland
- Designed by multi-ward winning Keith Williams Architects, the new De Valera Library & Súil Art Gallery, Ennis, Ireland was opened on 15th November 2024
- Whittington Barracks Burnett Library, Staffordshire
- Designing Libraries Director Ayub Khan asks Claire Butterfield, Senior Librarian at the library about worldwide provision for the Defence Medical Services.
- Town House Library, Kingston University
- Town House is Kingston University's landmark building on the Penrhyn Road campus
- Lambeth Palace Library
- Building on 800 years of history - the new Lambeth Palace Library
- Nottingham New Central Library
- A Hub of Regeneration and Community Engagement