Libraries

Libraries around the country are expanding their services in an effort to become ‘third spaces’ for the community.

February 19, 2025 - Governing

Californians can continue to access state parks for free by borrowing passes from their local libraries, thanks to the renewal of a state program.

June 26, 2024 - Los Angeles Times

The project pays homage to the building’s role in the community’s history.

May 8, 2024 - Fast Company

Combining affordable housing with a library reduced the cost of the project and gives residents access to essential resources.

November 17, 2023 - Fast Company

Much of communal life now takes place virtually in digital spaces that feel public but are not. The internet needs to be more like our public parks, libraries, and public squares.

November 3, 2020 - Wired

Cultural institutions and heritage sites may contribute to a city’s social cohesion and attract investment.

March 22, 2019 - CityLab

Richard Florida talks with sociologist Eric Klinenberg about his new book and the places and organizations that help hold society together.

September 17, 2018 - CityLab

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.

March 23, 2018 - Curbed

Neighborhood revitalization will focus on parks and libraries under a new program in Philadelphia.

November 9, 2016 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

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.

May 10, 2016 - The Dallas Morning News

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.

April 14, 2016 - Center For An Urban Future

Investment in public space is shaping up as a signature initiative for new Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney.

February 26, 2016 - Philadelphia

It's been said that children are the indicator species of urban health and great neighborhoods. By this measure, Oakland is in trouble.

January 27, 2016 - Shelterforce/Rooflines

A recent study by the Pew Research Center shows that despite the increasing use of tablets and e-readers, Americans still love books and still rely on libraries as a central cultural institution.

February 16, 2014 - Pew Research Center

Based on lessons from recent disasters in Chicago and New York, where lively urban spaces helped communities to survive and recover, Michael Kimmelman suggests that neighborhood libraries could be designed with such a purpose in mind.

October 6, 2013 - The New York Times

Public libraries across America are threatened by reduced staffing, resources, and hours due to budget cuts. However, "little libraries" are popping up in communities across the country as urbanists seek to redefine public space and librarianship.

June 2, 2012 - Places

West Hollywood's new library returns to the California Mid-Century tradition with floor to ceiling glass windows providing plenty of natural light, and a walkable link to Santa Monica boulevard a new park signals a new civic focus.

September 29, 2011 - Los Angeles Times

With funding in question, the future of public libraries is uncertain. This slideshow explores how libraries function as a commons and public space in American cities.

April 12, 2011 - Places

A piece in The Atlantic argues that telecommuting trends could have significant impacts on the built environment.

May 17, 2010 - The Atlantic

The New York Times City Critic ventures to Battery Park City to check out the city's newest and greenest library, yet occupying only 10,000 sq. ft. in a multi-story building, and comes away mightily impressed. Check out the photo slide-show.

March 29, 2010 - The New York Times - N.Y. / Region