# Striking Bookworm Heavens Libraries With Stunning Architecture Around the World By Tinkalicious | Published 2008-12-15 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/libraries-are-architecture-too References: [trendhunter](http://www.trendhunter.com) Although it would seem that everything we read these days is on the computer screen, the need for libraries continues across the world. As a place for containing all kinds of information, there is nothing more fantastic than visiting a large city library. The architectural gems featured here are far from the pedestrian, typically government or endowment sanctioned grey boxes, commonly found in many towns and on university campuses. For example, *The [National Library of the Czech Republic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/national-library-board-of-singapore)* will be constructed using white marble and mirror-finished stainless steel, with a capacity for 10 million volumes. Maybe it’s because of its unique demographic, but Seattle is home to more than one architecturally superior library. The *Seattle Public Library* is a modern and contemporary, [glass, steel and concrete marvel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yellamundie). In addition, Seattle is the home of the *Ballard Library*, which encompasses the green motif with its grassy roof. *The Consortium Library*, located at the [University of Alaska Anchorage](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/archipelago), interestingly utilized its “washtub” design to keep heat off students; that’s correct, even in chilly Alaska, heat can be problematic, especially for books, and the people reading them. China, in its every increasing awareness of keeping the population well informed and educated, has several proposed projects pictured in the concept stages, some of which await construction. The curved glass wall makes for a light and bright destination library for *Philadelphia’s Parkway Central Library*. In England, the *Peckham Library* houses the children’s library in a wooden elevated tripod “Pod”. Any library article would be remiss if it didn’t include a presidential library, and the *John F Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum* in Boston, is as great an example as any. The *Procter Library* in New Zealand is known as “the knowledge basket of Kerikeri” in the Maori language, which is a great way of describing what a library really is: a great big basket of knowledge. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 46% | Activity: 7% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Architectural Libraries:** Opportunity to create visually stunning libraries that are not just places for books, but also architectural masterpieces. - **Green Libraries:** Potential to design libraries with environmentally-friendly features like grassy roofs and energy-efficient designs. - **Conceptual Libraries:** Emerging trend of libraries in the concept stages, offering opportunities for innovative and futuristic designs. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Architecture:** Architects and designers can explore new possibilities in library design, focusing on aesthetics and functionality. - **Green Building:** Green building industry can incorporate sustainable features in library design to promote energy efficiency and environmental consciousness. - **Education:** Libraries play a vital role in education, presenting opportunities for educational institutions to create innovative spaces that foster learning and creativity. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Glass-Lined Towering Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beijing-city-library.md) - [Wood-Wrapped Contemporary Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graded-school-library.md) - [Memory-Grounded School Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rahmah-library.md) - [Children's Story-Inspired Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/western-academy.md) - [Cultural Green Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taichung-green.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) - [Virtual Library Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-library-at-night.md) - [Dynamic Geometric Library Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yellamundie.md)