In the last post, I talked about taking the library outside of its physical location and infusing the ability to access it digitally throughout communities. In this post I would like to bring that back around and focus on the physical environments of the structures themselves. The evolution of libraries away from repositories of books guarded by a staff who required a monastic silence within the walls of the structure, to one of a community resource for gathering, learning, and sharing began in the latter half of the last century, and has only accelerated with the rapid transition to remote working and learning that is occurring right now.

Communities are reimagining their libraries both inside and out. VerKuilen, a “library design architect,” calls for others of her professions to “gain inspiration by diving into the library’s vernacular, accessibility, community composition, and population projections.” (2023). She asks “who” questions about the communities–without understanding the cultural, ethnic, or the ages of a community, determining how to make a library serve it is impossible. She notes that libraries within a community center should seek to be “walkable” and “accessible through public transit.” while those in a suburban or rural area might think about implementing “drive-up” services, in addition to their digital options.

Internally, libraries of today are seizing the opportunity to remodel and incorporate play spaces, teen meetings spaces, and makerspaces, adding more space to freely move and comfortable, inviting seating that welcomes people to sit and enjoy themselves. The Hyde Park branch in Cincinnati recently added “booths and larger furniture [to] welcome visitors to bring coffee and enjoy natural sunlight.” (Kraemer, 2024). It also includes a spacious children’s area incorporating room for play and a puppet theater. Mizokami blogs of libraries creating space where teens can cook and Jessie reflects on libraries to providing areas for toddler learning spaces and STEM labs. The city of Sacramento took the idea of the library as an enclosed space and put it on the move, creating a “read and ride” Rolling Library Train, that functions both as public transportation and as a library, offering riders with library cards access to “ebooks, audiobooks and magazines, but also find free online classes in Libby’s Extras section to learn how to play musical instruments, decorate cakes, sew, and more.” (SacRT, 2023).

Architect Ole Scheeren suggests that “great architecture should tell a story” and imbues his projects with designs that will maximize the space for people to congregate and interact with one another, “central spaces for the community,” while also increasing the ecological footprint of the space, rather than building over it. (2016). Reimagining the physical space of a library provides an opportunity not only to transform the social structure within it but a means of lessening the environmental impact of the built environment. One such example is this new library that will be coming to the Bronx in 2025.

Ashikuzzuman writes of “Green Libraries” and notes that this can involve “energy-efficient design,” “renewable energy sources,” such as incorporating solar and wind power, as well as heat pumps, and constructing with “sustainable materials” and much more. (2024). He states, “Green Libraries are more than just buildings; they symbolize hope and progress in an increasingly fragile world. Through their commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, these libraries are reducing their ecological footprint and inspiring communities to embrace a greener way of living.” The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) similarly promotes Green Libraries and has web space dedicated to promoting them.

Writer Eric Klinenberg poignantly expressed that “Infrastructure isn’t just building a sea wall or a bridge. It’s also building the places that shape our interactions and that make our society work.” (2018). As our communities evolve and change around us, libraries can continue to provide this shape that energizes our society by reconstructing, inside and out, in ways that empower our journey into the future.

References

Kraemer, A. (2024). “Hyde Park Library remodel is complete: The $5.8 million renovation is being unveiled this weekend.” WCPO. https://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/hamilton-county/cincinnati/hyde-park/hyde-park-library-remodel-is-complete

Peet, L. (2018). “Eric Klinenberg: Libraries and Social Infrastructure.” Library Journal. https://www.libraryjournal.com/story/181003-Eric-Klinenberg-QA

TED. (2016). “Why great architecture should tell a story.” TEDTalks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQsnObyii4Q

VerKuilen, C. (2023). “Centering Your Library Around the Community.” Library Journal. https://www.libraryjournal.com/story/centering-your-library-around-the-community-lj230207