September 2025 Newsletter

Read the Autumn 2025 Designing Libraries International Newsletter here

18 Sept 2025

Designing Libraries Awe Inspiring Autumnal Newsletter
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Designing Libraries Newsletter

September 2025

Welcome to the fourth edition of the Designing Libraries (DL) quarterly newsletter, offering latest updates and highlighting recent posts you might have missed.


Public Libraries News no more

Ian Anstice, the founder of Public Libraries News, has decided to wind up the website after 15 years. He started PLN back in 2010 -and it has since become a reading must for many library workers and campaigners, including those looking for information about new library buildings. Ian’s ‘Goodbye’ post can be seen here


DL Director Ayub Khan said: “Ian’s weekly synopsis of local, national and international library news has been invaluable and will be sorely missed. He has at times been challenging - even controversial - but always thought-provoking. We wish him all the very best for whatever he decides to do next.”


Designing Libraries recently contributed to Public Library News with an incisive and informative article on how libraries are tackling anti-social behaviour


IFLA Congress

In August DL Director Ayub Khan attended the 89th IFLA World Library and Information Congress in Astana, Kazakhstan. He shared information about Designing Libraries with the IFLA Library Buildings Committee and heard some fascinating presentations about new libraries. He also attended a notable session focused on storage and conservation. Read the IFLA World Library Congress papers here



IFLA awards

Links to 2025 IFLA award winners:

Public Library of the Year

Green Libraries Award


New business project and support team member

We are delighted to introduce Carol Brown, who joins the DL team supporting project administration. Her biography can be seen here

The future of libraries is already happening

Design Concept CEO Daniela Hislop gives her global perspective on library design saying it’s bold, inclusive and beautiful.

A hub of possibilities

Read about Oldham Council’s “serious glow-up” of Northmoor Library - transformed into an inclusive community hub.


Welsh library moves to a shared building

Check out the changes to Llanrwst Library in rural Conwy when it moved to a modern, shared building over the road.


Anniversary refurb

Manchester’s Grade 1-listed John Rylands Library, regarded as one of Europe’s finest examples of neo-Gothic architecture, celebrated its 125th anniversary with a £7.6 million refurbishment.



Library, museum and gallery co-location

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.


Hong Kong library extension

Opened in 2022, the 6th floor extension of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Library includes distinct areas for both collaborative work and quiet study. See the Hong Kong Library case study here


Central Library makerspace

Gateshead Libraries worked with Opening the Book to create a new makerspace in the central library’s existing Sound Gallery. See the makerspace case study here



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