The Role of Libraries in Cultural Regeneration

Here's a taster of Ayub's article. You can read the full article in the Winter 2025 edition of Information Professional 

Over the past decade or so, new libraries have featured in cultural regeneration projects worldwide. Think the bold architectural statement of the new Library of Birmingham or the waterfront Dokk 1 in Denmark, with its own automated, driverless car park.

Libraries have been built as centre-pieces of urban redevelopments, designed to change the image and identity of a town, city or district. Some commentators have described this approach as “just add culture and stir.”

Here, the Government Department of Culture, Media and Sport identified three key features for cultural regeneration:

Cultural icons and landmarks – iconic buildings that are different or unique, of symbolic or aesthetic quality, that are part of urban branding.

Placemaking and urban identity – an active part of urban planning, contributing to urban diversity in mixed-use districts, creating ‘public domain’ and new stages for experience.

Community consolidation – including activities that boost local identity and cohesion, address social and economic challenges, and initiate collaboration, creativity and co-operation.

New libraries can definitely qualify for all three approaches – which can do overlap.

Libraries featuring in regeneration projects focused on town or city centre improvements often include the re-creation of new retail quarters, centres and hubs. They can also help repurpose High Streets by bringing new uses to previously traditional shopping centres that have been hit hard by the growth of retail developments.