# Bookstore-Inspired Libraries The Almere Library Incorporates Retail Details By Meghan Young | Published 2010-05-06 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/almere-library References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2010/05/library-or-bookstore-new-netherlands-branch-blurs-the-line.html) & [concreteamsterdam.nl](http://www.concreteamsterdam.nl/) The newest Almere library in the Netherlands demonstrates a case of high innovation and adaptation. Realizing that they were in desperate need of change, Marga Kleinenberg along with her colleagues from the library decided to appraise their direct competition: [retail bookstores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/weishan-chongzheng-academy-bookstore). Commissioning architectural agency Concrete to devise a new approach to the [design of traditional libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yellamundie), the new Almere library was born. Incorporating the inner structure of bookstores into their design, a visitor definitely expects to pay for something on the way out. Considering that bookstores have a casual air about them, it was easy for Concrete maintain a [residential feel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reading-nooks) for the Almere library. For more information about this revolutionary Almere library, visit the links provided. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 48% | Activity: 64% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Retail-inspired Libraries:** Opportunity to create libraries with a more commercial and engaging ambiance, taking inspiration from retail stores. - **Residential Feel Libraries:** Potential to design libraries with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, resembling a home environment. - **Adaptive Library Design:** The chance to transform traditional libraries by incorporating innovative design elements from other industries. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture:** Opportunity for architects to create innovative library designs that merge elements from retail and residential spaces. - **Library Services:** Potential for libraries to enhance their spaces and services by incorporating commercial and residential inspiration. - **Retail:** Possibility for retailers to collaborate with libraries in creating unique and engaging spaces that resemble bookstores. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Wood-Wrapped Contemporary Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graded-school-library.md) - [Children's Story-Inspired Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/western-academy.md) - [Memory-Grounded School Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rahmah-library.md) - [Floating Wetland Bookstore](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xixi-goldmye-bookstore.md) - [Mobile Glass Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-libreria.md) - [Tree-Like Library Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/forest-of-knowledge.md) - [Open-Air Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikea-billyotheque.md) - [Juxtaposing Angular Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brixen-public-library.md) - [Arched Opening Village Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pkinception.md)