“The library is a space where we create meaning together.” Marie Østergård
What comes to mind when you think of a library? Maybe you picture rows of bookshelves, quiet study areas, or children’s story time. But libraries must evolve as we continue to navigate the digital age. How do we ensure they remain essential, dynamic spaces people want to visit?
One answer can be found in Aarhus, Denmark, where Dokk1 is redefining what a library can be. But if libraries primarily serve their local communities, why should we care about what’s happening in Denmark? The truth is, Dokk1 isn’t just about Aarhus—it’s about the future of libraries everywhere.
The Vision
In 2001, Aarhus set out to transform its industrial waterfront into an accessible and inclusive public space. As planners considered design options, they recognized the potential for a library to become the heart of the project. But this led to a bigger question: Are libraries still relevant? A traditional book-centered model felt outdated. So they reframed the question: What experiences are unique to libraries? This shift in thinking moved the focus from collections to people, reimagining the library as a dynamic, participatory space rather than a static storehouse of information (iihschannel, 2021).
This people-centered approach led the city to partner with the people of Aarhus and other experts nationally and internationally to create a vision for Dokk1 that would be vested in community needs. Project leader Marie Østergård described the Dokk1 vision as “the living room of the city” (Morehart, 2016), a community hub with flexible spaces for inspiration, learning, meeting, and performing (Stephens, 2022).
The Vision in Action
Dokk1 opened in 2015 as “a new urban space that also reaches out and invites partners, citizens and the community to play a role in creating a lively and open space for all” (Bech-Petersen, 2016). In addition to the main branch of the Aarhus public library, Dokk1 includes a café, city archives, Citizen Services, makerspaces, and both indoor and outdoor play areas. Visitors also find flexible spaces for collaboration and independent study.
Dokk1 welcomes about 4,500 visitors daily, and “every day the library is co-created with partners and users” (Bech-Petersen, 2016). This participatory approach is reflected in the physical spaces. Visitors can rearrange furniture to create new spaces for interaction (Witteveen, 2016), and the open floor plan allows people to observe activities around them, which can lead to inspiration. This flexibility also extends to larger spaces. The Ramp, a broad “staircase” area, can accommodate tables for various activities or be reconfigured into auditorium seating with a performance stage and projection screen at the bottom (Dokk1: Impressions, n.d.).
Technology is integrated throughout Dokk1. For instance, when visitors tag their Instagram posts with #dokk1, the images appear on a large screen, making them part of the library’s evolving story (Bech-Petersen, 2016). Additionally, some areas feature technology, such as the DokkX showroom, which currently has an exhibit on smart-home technology, or the AppsCafé, which offers help with everything digital (available on-site or at home)—showing how libraries can bridge the gap between people and technology.
Dokk1’s programming model also reflects this collaborative spirit. Over 100 partner organizations provide 60% of the programming (Bech-Petersen, 2016), ensuring the library remains a constantly evolving, community-driven space.
One of Dokk1’s most unique features reflects its commitment to community and connection is The Gong, an art installation suspended in the library. The large tubular bell is linked to the local hospital, where parents of newborns can press a button that rings the bell at Dokk1 (cite). Each chime welcomes a baby into the community and allows library visitors to share in a collective celebration. The Gong embodies Dokk1’s vision—celebrating people, connections, and the experiences that bring a community together.
Sharing the Vision
How can the lessons of Dokk1’s ambitious model be applied on a local level? While its striking physical space is impressive, Dokk1’s real success lies in its mindset—one that can be shared and adapted worldwide.
To help other libraries implement community-driven innovation, Aarhus Public Libraries and Chicago Public Library developed the Design Thinking Toolkit with support from a Gates Foundation grant. This resource provides a structured approach to understanding patron needs, engaging with communities, and prototyping new ideas (Marc, 2018). Available in fifteen languages, the toolkit is free to download, making it accessible to libraries worldwide.
Beyond tools, building a global network of library professionals is essential for sharing ideas and innovations. Aarhus Public Libraries created Next Library, an international community of forward-thinking library leaders. As digital technology accelerates the exchange of ideas, in-person discussions remain invaluable (Woolbarn, 2019). Every two years, Next Library hosts a conference in Aarhus, bringing together library professionals from around the world.
Dokk1 demonstrates that libraries can thrive in the digital age—not by abandoning tradition but by evolving into dynamic spaces for learning, connection, and innovation.
References
Bech-Petersen, S. (2016). Dokk1: Co-creation as a new way of working in libraries. AIB Studi (Roma ), 56(3). https://doi.org/10.2426/aibstudi-11510
Dokk1: Impressions of an impressive library. (n.d.). [Blog]. Designing Libraries. https://designinglibraries.org.uk/resources/reimagining-the-library/dokk1-impressions-of-an-impressive-library/
Fagan, L. (2019, December 31). In Aarhus, a bell tolls for new babies—and calls us to action. Sustainability Times. https://www.sustainability-times.com/clean-cities/in-aarhus-a-bell-tolls-for-new-babies-and-calls-us-to-action/
iihschannel. (2021, February 26). Virtual library walk: Dokk1 public library & cultural centre, Aarhus, Denmark [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDCYK3ELf54&t=54s
Marc. (2018, March 22). Design thinking for libraries | princh blog. Princh. https://princh.com/blog-design-thinking-for-libraries/
Morehart, P. (2016, August 17). Moving beyond the “third place:” IFLA forum examines library designs that embrace the community. American Libraries Magazine. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/library-design-moving-beyond-third-place/
Stephens, M. (2022). Hyperlinked libraries. In S. Hirsh (Ed.), Information services today: An introduction (3rd ed., pp. 229-239). Rowman & Littlefield.
Witteveen, A. (2016, September 13). The people’s place. Library Journal. https://www.libraryjournal.com/story/the-future-of-communities-designing-the-future
Woolbarn, V. (Host). (2019, May 2). Building global networks for libraries with Marie Østergaard and R. David Lankes (No. 3) [Audio podcast episode]. In Princh Library Lounge. https://princh.com/podcast-ep-3-building-global-networks-for-libraries/