- National Designing Libraries Conference 2026
- We’re thrilled to announce the inaugural Designing Libraries Conference on Wednesday, 17th June 2026, 10am-4pm at the iconic Swiss Cottage Library, London
- 26 Mar 2026
Latest News
- Designing Libraries Sponsors Meeting February 2026
- An inspiring day at Warwick Castle meeting in the 17th Century Italian Library with our amazing Designing Libraries sponsors
- 06 Mar 2026
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- You Can Read All the Designing Libraries International Newsletters here
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New Perspective Articles
- Ayub Talks to Sue
- Ayub Khan talks to Sue Mckenzie, libraries consultant, about the consultant’s perspective on library design projects
- 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
- Aberaeron Library, Ceredigion, Wales
- The new Aberaeron Library is not just a relocation – it is a reinvention, providing a brighter, larger, and more
- 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
- Oldham Library
- Oldham Library, one of the UK’s busiest, serves a diverse community. Opened in 2006, its ground floor was refreshed to meet evolving needs.
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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