Photography is by Einar Aslaksen.
Looking into global libraries makes me yearn for a trip around the world just to visit these beautiful and innovative spaces. One that stood out to me in my search was the Deichman Bjørvika, or Oslo Public Library, in Norway. The library is a massive, six-story building next to the Oslo fjord. The top floor provides nice views of the fjord. Not only are there thousands of books, but the library also houses a cinema, workshops, cafes, auditoriums, recording studios, and gaming rooms. It’s obvious the Oslo Public Library prides itself on being a community hub that people can enjoy for many reasons.
What stood out to me most was the Future Library art project. This century long project started in the year 2014 and collects one manuscript a year from 100 authors. The manuscripts are kept hidden away in the library and are not able to be read until 2114, at which time they will be printed and published. The forest already exists that contains the trees that will be used in the printing of the books. The Silent Room in the library (where the manuscripts are held) is made out of wood from the trees in the forest. I think this is a fascinating way for the library to start collecting material for the future and to ensure the works of these authors are being read and discussed many years from now. Katie Paterson, the artist of this project, says it “has nature, the environment at its core – and involves ecology, the interconnectedness of things, those living now and still to come.” The Future Library is living, breathing art.
References:
https://www.futurelibrary.no/#/
https://www.visitnorway.com/listings/deichman-bj%C3%B8rvika-oslo-public-library-main-branch/224381/
Sara – The Future Library is amazing! Thanks for highlighting it in this reflection. It’s nice to know there are projects like this that will carry libraries forward. Yay for our Scandinavian library colleagues!