• Library Buildings in Europe

  • The Library Buildings in Europe website records  examples of good and interesting library buildings throughout Europe; it is a benchmarking tool for all those involved in new or refurbished library building projects including librarians, architects or any other professionals.

    The aim is to inspire and support anyone working on a library building project – a new building, an extension, a renovation, or a reworking of interior spaces. The wide variety of case studies will enable those involved in such projects to pick up on new trends, to share knowledge and experience, and to learn from, and make contact with, each other.

    Members of the LIBER Architecture Group (LIBER LAG) are delighted to offer this project as a tool to stimulate innovative ideas and new approaches to transforming the library model in the 21st century.

  • Find Libraries

  • Biblioteca Montserrat Abello Barcelona library building architecture design interior view
    Eva Guillamet , Consorci de Biblioteques de Barcelona

    Montserrat Abelló Library

    Barcelona, 2018

    The project aspired, as a public library, to be a center of access to information, to guarantee the democratization of culture and knowledge, to be a center of social integration, promotion of reading, longlife-learning, self-learning and, at the same time, a leisure space. But it aspired to do so by giving prominence to users over the presence of the collection. Open spaces were needed for activities, and also flexible furniture, that would allow changes in the use of the space.

    As for the collection, the exhibition space was increased, in specific and attractive funiture, to the detriment of high density shelves accessible to users.

    A space for young audiences was differentiated, self-service, spaces for group work were promoted, as well as audiovisual equipment to allow videoconferencing and streaming screenings.

    You can visit it here.