Public libraries

With thoughtful landscape design and active public spaces, the Dublin Branch library brings an urban center of gravity to a rapidly densifying suburb of Columbus, Ohio. The third project designed by NBBJ with the Columbus Metropolitan Library, the new Dublin library doubles the square footage of the previous building and ...

On June 18th, Oslo’s new public library, Deichman Bjørvika, opened its doors to the public. Located on Oslo’s waterfront, and spanning six floors and 140,000 square feet, “Norway’…

cambridge public library Unlike libraries which double as community centers, designed by William Rawn Associates and Ann Beha Architects

Northside Library by NBBJ, Libraries are in transition. Once a point of knowledge dissemination and quiet introspection, they are becoming places to meet, socialize, study, hang out and plugin. Historically, we have seen a library’s civic value shift from a place for things, now, to a place for people.

Look beyond your local branch to some of these amazing SoCal libraries.

Image 8 of 30 from gallery of Norwell Public Library / Oudens Ello Architecture. Photograph by Chuck Choi Architectural Photography

Pembroke (MA) Public Library

The Bibliothèque Nationale de France proudly holds the title of one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Built in the 19th century by architect Henri L

Boston Public Library, Central Library Renovation / William Rawn Associates. Image © Bruce T. Martin

Image 15 of 28 from gallery of Orillia Public Library / Perkins+Will. Photograph by Ben Rahn / A-Frame

The beautiful Maple Valley Public Library, Maple Valley WA

Designed by Strasbourg-based firm Dominique Coulon & associés, it challenges the traditional function of a library by serving as a place of creation, where visitors take on an active role as participants in their own environment.

Brentwood, Tennessee Library, children's area.

The design includes a library to be designed on the Japanese island of Hokkaido. This library combines technology with traditional library style.