- IFLA Inspiring Libraries
- See a range of inspiring library designs showcased on IFLA Library Design Section's Instagram page
Latest News
- Investing in Library capital improvements
- Arts Council England’s Libraries Improvement Fund (LIF) Round 5 has now closed.
- 25 Sept 2026
- IFLA Public Library of the Year 2026 Winner
- Winner of IFLA/@James Bennett’s Public Library of the Year announced at the Busan conference
- 10 Aug 2026
- Designing Libraries International Newsletter Subscription Form
- Sign up and subscribe to our new quarterly Designing Libraries International Newsletter
New Perspective Articles
- Seoul Outdoor Library
- The project redefines physical boundaries of traditional public libraries expanding the library stage from indoor buildings into open outdoor environments.
- Designing for Discovery: Reflections from Busan
- By Alison Nolan, Chief Executive, Scottish Library & Information Council (SLIC)
- Haydock Library
- An inclusive, community co-designed library in St Helens, Merseyside
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
- Cliftonville Library Transformation
- Creating an Inclusive, Community-Focused Library for All Ages
- The Storyhouse Chester
- Creating a cultural destination with community at its heart
- Bridlington Central Library
- The transformation has resulted in a vibrant, multi-functional environment that serves as a true community hub
- Wombourne Library
- A village re-imagined
- Transforming Wolverhampton Central Library
- A sympathetic refurbishment of a Grade II-Listed Carnegie Building
- Transforming Kilburn Library into a Modern Community Hub
- Showing how collaborative design, practical planning and creative thinking can deliver a space that is both inspiring and commercially sustainable
- Hackney Central Library - Embracing Heritage, Nature, and Neighbourhood
- Alongside the beautiful books, the new library also features plants, murals, exhibitions, artworks, and even a mini grand piano!
- Corwen Library Transformation
- Creating a welcoming, flexible and community-focused library space
- Dover Library
- A community landmark reimagined
- Sale Library - Trafford
- From empty atrium to buzzing cultural hub – dramatic retail-style shelving, flexible event spaces and a vibrant children's library for Trafford Council
- A picture-perfect finish! The Revamp of Colchester Library is here
- Closing in September 2024, the long-awaited reopening of Colchester Library marks an exciting new chapter for the local community
- 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.
Resources
- Library Standards and Publications
- Standards, guidance and best practice for library planning, design and operation
- 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.
Featured Libraries
- The Research Library at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art
- Enabling fans of narrative art to explore the visual languages, cultural histories, and creative processes that shape storytelling across time and place.
- The Forest of Knowledge - A Library for The Cricket Club of India
- The new library at Mumbai's Cricket Club of India reimagines the role of a library in the digital age
- 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