These inspiring library designs are sure to have you swapping your e-reader for a hard-cover novel. While libraries have gradually shifted their focus from books to digital devices, they have retained their purpose as a place where patrons come to learn. These contemporary library designs continue to inspire bookworms everywhere to pick up a new novel or two.
While libraries are often thought of as fixed structures, there are several modern libraries that are designed for maximum mobility. These roving libraries help to bring literature to those who may be unable to access traditional public libraries. These mobile libraries come in the form of miniature trucks, pedal-powered carts and even antique bicycles.
While some libraries are designed for accessibility, others are focused on catering to a specific portion of the population. These libraries target a range of consumers who might not visit a traditional public library. These inspiring library designs include beach library installations, exclusive travel libraries and experimental fashion libraries.
46 Inspiring Library Designs
From Dangling Mobile Libraries to Beach Library Installations:
Katherine Pendrill — Sep 7, 2015 — Art & Design
46
Beach Library Installations
Herman Kompernas Promotes Reading by the Bulgarian Black Sea
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Charming Mobile Libraries
This Intriguing Mobile Library was Created by Antonio La Cava
44
Exclusive Travel Libraries
Hyundai Card's Members-Only Library Design Inspires Wanderlust
43
Backyard-Inspired Libraries
A Cozy Library Built by 3rdSpace in a Backyard
42
Lounge-Worthy Libraries
This Library was Designed by BC Architects for a School for Deaf Children
41
Curvaceous Colorful Kid's Libraries
This Rainbow Library Brings Fun Back to Reading
40
Textile-Inspired Libraries
King Fahd Library is a Lattice Cube Inspired by Classical Architecture
39
Experimental Fashion Libraries
The Lena Fashion Library Allows Members to Borrow its Clothing
38
Dangling Mobile Libraries
By The Book Creates the Illusion That Your Hardcover Collection Floats
37
Library-Themed Homes
This Remodelled Library Keeps its Original Charm
36
Hi-Tech Wallpaper Bookshelves
The Digital Library Wallpaper is Full of Downloadable E-Books
35
Louvered Library Architecture
FJMT Distinguishes Craigieburn Library with a Louvered Appearance
34
Local Characterist-Embracing Libraries
The Shanghai Jiading Public Library Reflects Surroundings
33
Time Capsule Libraries
Katie Paterson's Future Library Will be Accessed in 2114
32
People-Renting Human Libraries
This Library Lets You Take Out Interesting People Instead of Books
31
Literary Retail Takeovers
The Sonia Rykiel Flagship in Paris Has Been Transformed into a Library
30
Futuristic Student Libraries
Zaha Hadid's Student Library is a State-of-the-Art Learning Center
29
Endless Bookshelf Residences
This Stunning Home Features a 17-Meter Library Wall
28
Green Pop-Up Libraries
Latvia's Story Tower is Made Using Local Wood and Recycled Juice Cartons
27
Geometric Student-Run Libraries
X-Space is a Library that is Built by Students for Students
26
Understated Hilltop Libraries
This Cultural Center in Ateliers O-S Architectes Resembles a Museum
25
Motion-Sensing Novel Sculptures
The Bristol Central Library Book Hive Installation is Mesmerizing
24
Portable Portuguese Libraries
The Reading Cabin is a Rustic Literary Hideaway
23
Panoramic Library Interiors
Vector Architects' Latest Project is a Reading Room With a View
22
QR-Accessible Subway Libraries
Beijing's Underground Library Lets You Scan Codes to Read eBooks
21
Retro-Modern Library Decor
This Geneva Library Marries Retro and Contemporary Design Details
20
Bookless Libraries
Florida Polytechnic University Has a Massive New Bookless Library
19
Contemplative Library Homes
The House of Respect and Happiness Recognizes Important Qualities
18
Social Exchange-Promoting Libraries
Musashino Place in Tokyo Offers an Area for People to Learn
17
Tranparent Presidential Libraries
HOK Presents a Plan for the Barack Obama Library in Chicago
16
Church-Renovated Libraries
The Monique Corriveau Library by CLC Architects is Bright and Airy
15
Antique Tricycle Libraries
The See-Clo Combines Vintage Objects into a Playful Contemporary Shelf
14
Revolutionary Miniature Libraries
The Standing Table Does More Than its Stationary Name Suggests
13
Sloping-Roofed Libraries
The Pinch: Library and Community Center Helps Children in China
12
Color-Coordinated Libraries (UPDATE)
The Saraiva Bookstore is Organized to Invite Users to Browse
11
Distorted Grid Libraries
The National Library of the Czech Republic Receives an Interesting Design
10
Reflective Media Libraries
The Mont de Marsan Mediatheque by Archi5 Resembles a Mirror
9
Arching Underbelly Libraries
The New Calgary Library by DIALOG and Snohetta is Technical
8
Free Ice Sculpture Libraries
This Free Ice Library Gives Out Books to Whoever Passes By
7
Sculpted Creative Library Designs
This Stunning Wood-Clad School Library Spurs Productivity
6
Customized Microchip Libraries
The eGranary Pocket Library Provides Access to Information
5
Modernist Educational Institutions
The Dalarna Media Library by ADEPT Embraces Simplistic Design
4
Mobile Library Carts
These Passionate Librarians are Delivering Books Via Bicycles
3
Library Listening Parties
Japan's Mori No Tosho Shitsu Will Host a Silent Disco Library Party
2
Leaning Library Extensions
D’houndt Bajart Architectes Creates an Additional Educational Facility
1
Digitized Venetian Libraries
The Venice Time Machine Project Will Digitize 1,000 Years of Archives
Related Ideas
Yacht-Inspired Camping Trailers
This Modern Travel Trailer Concept by Maria Prokosheva is Sleek
Venetian-Inspired Museum Designs
The Conceptual Floating Glass Museum is AI-Generated
Curvaceous Animalistic Coffee Tables
The 'Bookpet' Coffee Table by Deniz Aktay Has Character
Subterranean Japanese Libraries
This Underground Library is Situated Beneath a Sustainable Farm
Modernized Modular LP Players
found/Founded Designs the Controlled Vibrary Digital LP Player
Sculptural Refugee Shelters
This Refugee Shelter Design Focuses on Flexibility and Airflow
Innovation-Focused Furniture Design Collectives
Haworth Launches DesignLab to Push Innovation
Structural Beanbag Chair Designs
Elena Prokhorova Designs the Brace Lounge Chair for Comfort
Tree-Inspired Speaker Systems
The Conceptual LG PICK Stand Speaker is Easy to Move Around
Plant-Filled Latticed Buildings
Wallflower Architecture + Design Creates the Touching Eden House
Multifunctional Foldable Mobile Devices
The Conceptual 'Move' Mobile Device Replaces Five Devices
Floating Meditative Pavilion Designs
The Crystal Lake Pavilion by Marc Thorpe Design is Tranquil
Modular Fold-Out Desk Designs
This Foldable Wooden Workstation Comes to Live When Needed
Modular Grid-Style Shelving
The Bend Shelf by Spenser Atlas Was Designed with Jim Isermann
Twisting Donut-Shaped Bookshelves
The Hullabaloo Bookshelf by Deniz Aktay is Perplexing
Bookshelf Board Games
These Classic Board Games are Disguised as Vintage Books
Tubular Literature Storage Racks
The 'Interspace' Magazine Rack by Deniz Aktay is Multifunctional
Interior Design Concept Guides
IKEA Unveils its Inaugural Style Guide on Home Design
Reinvented Fitness Design Exhibitions
Technogym Hosts the Design to Move Exhibition
Modular Cat Trees
The PETLIBRO INFINITY Cat Tree Supports Comfort, Relaxation & Play
Upcycled Book-Made Marbled Furniture
Willem Zwiers Designs the Tranformed Remnants Series
Community-Centric Headquarters
SPACE10 Embraces Community-Centric Design for Its Headquarters
Minimalist Book Storage Tables
The 'Pocket' Coffee Table by Deniz Aktay is Split Open
Incredibly Modern Lakeside Houses
Stephenson Design Collective Converts an Old Boy Scout Camp
Japanese Inn-Inspired Apartments
Intheory Design Creates an Apartment Inspired by Ryokan
Rope-Like Dynamic Chair Designs
Miray Ozlem ER Designs the Caterpillar Lounge Chair
Beautifully Sculptural Concrete Museums
Qatar Museums Unveils Official Images of the Lusail Museum
Contemporary Backyard Pavilions
AMDLD Circle Designs the Cosmo Pavilion for Ethimo
Comfy Printed Component Chairs
These 3D-Printed Chair Designs are Sustainable and Modern
Seashell-Inspired Chair Designs
Ernesto Pastore Fuses Traditional and Digital Techniques
Abstract Triangular Side Tables
The Triangle Side Table from SouleWork Holds Books and More
Stunning Mid-Century Coastal Homes
Design Theory Updates a House from the 1960s
Historic Fashion Try-Ons
The Design Museum's London Fashion Exhibition Integrates AR Mirrors
Playfully Renovated Homes
This Home Has a Slide, Swings and Rock-Climbing Wall
Bauhaus-Inspired Pattern Collections
Design En Rogue Architecture Recently Debuted Its New Line
Stunningly Whimsical Playgrounds
XISUI Design Draws Inspiration from Natural Forms Such as Caves
Sliding Wintery Landscape Bookshelves
This Manhwabang Bookshelf by Jisu Kim is Whimsical
Kid-Designed Sculptural Furniture
Art Gallery Galerie Philia Engages Children with Design-Thinking
Breathtaking Library Designs
MVRDV Showcases Its Plan for a Massive Wuhan Library
Mid-Century Nostalgic Hotel Redesigns
Hotel Riomar Launches a New Design with Bright Contrasts
Modernist Library Interiors
Superkül Renovates a Reading Room at Robarts Library
Water-Inspired Theatre Designs
Open Architecture Unveils Its Plans for the Yichang Grand Theatre
Bookshelf-Incorporated Coffee Tables
The Overlap Table by Deniz Atkay Boasts Multiple Purposes
Curved Concrete Hotels
Atelier d’More Transforms a Two-storey Building into a Contemporary Hotel
Customizable Book Portraits
Lagom Collections Boasts Personalized Portraits for Your Books
Nature-Inspired Indoor Playgrounds
Sarit Shani Hay Designs a New Playground in Tel Aviv
Playful Public Seating Designs
The London Festival of Architecture Boasts a Series of Seats
Kinetic Musical Benches
Daydreamer Benches Gently Rotate, Illuminate and Play Music
Vibrant Adaptable Workplaces
Ester Bruzkus Architekten Designs a Modern Workspace for Relaxound
Red Brick Music Schools
Colectivo C733's Music School Design is Captivating and Stunning
Bookstore Wine Shops
New York's Bibliotheque Offers Rare Books and Great Wine
Modular Modern Wooden Bookshelves
Kengo Kuma Designs the Marumarushikaku Shelf for More Trees
Radial Modern Barbershops
Gin Design Group Creates a Design-Forward Layout for This Barbershop
Toy Block-Inspired Wooden Bookshelves
Waiting Woood Designs the New Rotating Picture Book Rack
Repurposed Brick Public Furniture
Akasaki Vanhuyse's FLOAT Bench is Intriguing & Eco-Friendly
Dynamic Organic Store Displays
External Reference Decorates the La Manso Store in Barcelona
Bamboo-Inspired Cultural Buildings
This Cultural Center Seamlessly Blends Into its Surroundings
Bright Whimsical Home Accessories
Blue Balcony Design Studio Delivers a Range of Vibrant Decor
Library Literature Merchandise
Toronto Public Library Debuts Chic Merchandise Including Shirts
Life-Sized Robot Concierges
Singapore's First Ever Manga Library Features a Robot Concierge
Book Vending Machines
This Book Vending Machine Inspires Readers at Exeter St Davids Station
Muscle Loss-Combating Playground Benches
Helan & RAAK Design Modify Benches to Encourage Activity
Viewing Box Cultural Centers
The Center for Arts & Innovation Hosts Events and Education Spaces
Book-Shaped Transparent Bookmarks
TENT Unveils the Uniquely Shaped Book on Book Bookmark
Greenery-Packed Museum Buildings
This Science Museum is Designed Around a Central Park
Digital City-Inspired Art Works
New Digital Art is on Display in Grand Central Station
Lighthouse-Inspired Portable Lamps
Patricia Perez Designs the Mouro Lamp for Case Furniture
Demountable Wooden Retail Spaces
Architecture for London Designs Present & Correct's New Space
Intelligent Wireless Charging Devices
The Carousel Series by Pablo Designs Features Two Pieces
Industrial Metal-Framed Tables
teenage engineering Designs the Field Desk with Plywood
Sustainable Hi-Rise Outdoor Chairs
Lill Designs Creates the Lollygagger Hi-Rise Chair
Liveable Artful Pop-Up Installations
Julie Cloos Mølsgaard Creates a Pop-Up Hotel Installation
Modern Convertible Shelving Systems
halblang Designs the Blendend System with Easy Adaptibility
Library-Converted Modern Sheds
The Act of Quad Creates the Light Box in Mumbai, India
Women's Literature-Inspired Skincare Stores
Aesop Boasts a Women's Literature Library
Rustic Ruin-Inspired Aquariums
Tatiana Bilbao Estudio Designs The Sea of Cortez Research Center
Curved London Office Buildings
Foster + Partners Designs 50 Electric Boulevard in South London
Banned Book Clubs
The DPLA's Banned Book Club Challenges Censorship
Mass-Timber Children's Museums
O'Neill McVoy Architects Designs the Bronx Children's Museum
Gallery-Like Minimal Home Designs
Daytrip Completes the Interior Design of a Home in North London
Tea-Honoring Angular Libraries
Atelier Xi Designs the Interconnected Library and Tea Rooms
Dynamic Geometric Bookshelves
Maryam Pousti Designs the Cheft Bookshelf Under Studio Pousti
Optical Illusion Replica Artworks
Leandro Erlich Forms the Building in the Liberty Science Center
Greenery-Sheathed Libraries
This Library Building Features Generous Plantings Of Native Species
Natural Japanese Art Galleries
Brazil's Yayoi Kusama Gallery Features a Nature-Inspired Design
Industrial Architecture-Themed Installations
The Industrial Archaeology Series is Based on Design
Mesmerizing Fluid Art Installations
Dutch Invertuals Creates the Flow Fountain Installation
Floating-Style Classroom Designs
Ennead Architects & Rockwell Group Completes the Bloomberg Center
Digital Audio Speaker Displays
found/Founded Introduces the Vibrary Digital LP Player
Revamped Monolithic Galleries
The Revamped National Portrait Gallery Emphasizes Public Space
Live-In Art Gallery Homes
Casa Galeria is a Home That Doubles as an Art Gallery
Artfully Inspired Home Renovations
Reflect Architecture Designs the North Drive House in Toronto
Boat-Inspired Community Center
Snøhetta & WERK Architecture Design the Esbjerg Maritime Center
Book Pile Retail Decor
A London Aesop Store Gets a New Decor Definition by Sebastian Cox
Law-Firm Office Interior Designs
Kin Designs the Office Interior for Law Firm Dentons
Youthful-Inspired Office Designs
OSO Architecture Creates the New Office for Esalco Logistics
Expansive School Bamboo Canopies
CollectiveProject Creates a Canopy at Talaricheruvu Rural School
Thoughtful Wheeling Cabinets
Anna Søgaard's Cabinet on Wheels Emphasizes Mobility in the Everyday
Elevator-Inspired Cozy Sofa Collections
Julien Renault and MOR Design Presents the LIFT Sofa
Personality-Enhancing Side Tables
The ORDO Book Side Table Features Organized Nooks
Reimagined Hybrid Workspace Designs
Mason Studio Redesigned its Offices in Toronto
Colorful Modular Outdoor Furniture
Patricia Urquiola Designs the Mangas Outdoor Capsule for GAN
3D-Printed Public Pavilion Prototypes
Hassell Works with Nagami on a New Public Pavilion
Modern Deco Office Designs
Reflect Architecture Designs the NewGen Office with Contemporary Detail
Musical-Themed Kinetic Structures
Daily tous les jours Designs the Daydreamer Structure
Modern Museum Versatile Cafes
Tate Modern Unveils a Corner Cafe Designed by Holland Harvey
Lighthouse-Functioning Concrete Structures
Lin Architecture Creates the Concrete Pavilion in China
Circular Design-Themed Exhibitions
Audi Joins Dezeen on the Domino Act Installation
Home Mobility Accessible Furniture
Capella Design Creates Furniture that Blend Style and Function
Dynamic Architecturally Strong Bookshelves
Alain Gilles Designs the Dogma Bookshelves for BONALDO
Tree-Like Library Spaces
Studio Hinge Presents the Forest of Knowledge Library Design
Modern Digitized Bookshelves
September is a Digital Bookshelf Where You Can Display Achievements
Latticed-Steel Transport Hub Columns
Tremend Designs the Metropolitan Station in Lublin
Milan Streets-Inspired Furniture
The Italian Lab and LAND Design the Il Salotto Milanese Capsule
Lotus Flower-Inspired Villas
Thilina Liyanage Designs the Lotus Villa Inspired by Nature
Mindful Study Spaces
Chaoffice Embraces Zen-Inspired Design Sensibilities in House Under the Boat
Glass-Lined Towering Libraries
Snøhetta Designs the Beijing City Library Located in China
Perforated Shadow-Casting Libraries
Parallel Studio Designs the Mariam's Library in Zanzibar
Upcoming Architectural Floating Parks
MAST Designs the New Centroparco on a Sand Quarry
Revamped Modern Phone Booths
100architects Brings Digital Touches to the Classic Phone Booth
Generational-Lasting Dynamic Playgrounds
Mike Hewson Designs a New Public Playground with Boulders
Illuminating Water-Based Pavillions
Daniel Ryabakken Installs the Shelter Pavilion in Stockholm
Community-Inspired Colorful Substations
IF-DO and Lakwena Design the Brent Cross Town Development
Industrial Warehouse-Inspired Offices
Carr Designs a New Office Block with Industrial Themes
Nomadic Community-Themed Pavilions
Joar Nango Designs Girjegumpi: The Sámi Architecture Library
Wooden Pavilion Seaside Homes
LAND Arquitectos Designs the House of Circumstances in Chile
Childhood-Inspired Generational Homes
AUN Design Studio Creates the New Reflection House
Fostered Design Curations
Brompton Design District Unveil Conviviality: The Art of Living Together
Lantern-Topped Sleek Workshops
Cabinet Designs the Gardeners House in a Park in Geneva
Water Flow-Inspired Art Buildings
MAD Designs the Waterfront Nanhai Arts Center in Guangdong
Book-Filled Mezzanine Lofts
Crystal Sinclair Designs Designs the Dumbo loft in Brooklyn
Metal Sheet-Facade Book Stores
Wutopia Labs Designs the Shanghai Book City with a Dynamic Facade
Repurposed Imperfection-Embraced Buildings
Civic Architects & VDNVP Elevate a Series of Workspaces
Reimagined Traditional Library Ladders
The Step by Step Ladder Offers a Refreshing New Design Take
Railway-Inspired Lighting Series
Novocastrian Designs the Insulator Lighting Collection
Modular Wireless Speaker Bookends
Liam de la Bedoyere Designs the Beat Bookend with Two Functions
Juxtaposing Angular Libraries
Carlana Mezzalira Pentimalli Designs the Brixen Public Library
Former President-Honoring Libraries
Atelier Masōmī Introdues a Library in Monrovia
Library Card-Supported Book Access
Libby Simplifies Magazine Access for Library Card Holders
Hawaiian Library Apps
The HSPLS is Enhancing the Customer Experience Through a Mobile App