Never mind that old adage about judging a book by its cover: the way a library is designed makes an undeniable difference for its patrons. Here are 20 of the nation's most picturesque.
Although libraries function first as repositories for books and other materials, Megan Barber writes, "they also serve as places to study, research, and contemplate." In the digital age, their uses are expanding even further. It's no wonder many of them (though not all, sadly) have been designed with uplifting or thought-provoking aesthetics in mind.
From modern constructs like Rem Koolhaas' Seattle Central Library to iconic spaces like the New York Public Library's Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, Barber gives us a rundown of architectural explorations of the form.
The list includes a wide variety of styles from the contemporary Billings Public Library, completed in 2015, to Seattle's cathedral-esque Suzzallo Library or the strikingly Brutalist Geisel Library at the University of California San Diego. Whether you're an architecture aficionado or a bibliophile (or both), check it out.
FULL STORY: The 20 most beautiful libraries in the U.S.
Library Hours in New York City Show Huge Improvements
A study by the Center for Urban Future reveals library hours in New York City to have improved a great deal in recent years—while still lagging behind state and national averages.
Public Libraries May Be More Relevant Than Ever
Libraries around the country are expanding their services in an effort to become ‘third spaces’ for the community.
Dallas Doesn't Deliver on Promised Libraries
In 2006, Dallas voters approved a bond package that promised $42 million for new libraries. Ten years later, and after $11.75 million in spending, none of the projects are close to completion.
What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.
‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.
Montreal’s Gorilla Park Repurposes Defunct Railway Track
The park is part of a global movement to build public spaces that connect neighbors and work with local elements to serve as key parts of a city’s green infrastructure.
Art in Action: USC Event Calls for an Urgent Green Energy Transition
The El Respiro / Respire event at USC uses a large-scale human geochoreography to demand an urgent and equitable transition to green energy, blending art, activism, and community engagement to amplify the message of climate justice.
Safe Parking Programs Help People Access Housing
The safety and stability offered by Safe Parking sites have helped 40 percent of unhoused San Diego residents who accessed these programs get into permanent housing.
Study: Single-Staircase Buildings Pose No Additional Risks
Zoning codes have long prohibited single-stair residential buildings due to safety concerns, but changing that could lower the cost of construction and allow for more flexible housing designs.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA)
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research