# Anti-Tech Bookstores The 'Libreria' Bookstore is Deisgned to Inspire a New Appreciation for Books By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-02-22 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/libreria References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2016/02/22/selgas-cano-architects-libreria-concept-bookshop-east-london-second-home/) & [secondhome.io](http://secondhome.io/events/imbibliotheque/) 'Libreria' is a brand new bookstore that encourages customers to leave their technology behind. While many bookstores have added high-tech features to their spaces in order to keep pace with changing consumer preferences, this store takes a very different approach. Libreria is a London-based bookstore designed by Spanish studio [SelgasCano](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canary-house). The inside of the store features handmade bookshelves based on the fictional [Library of Babel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-library-at-night). To create a sense of boundlessness, the architects uses a series of irregular shapes and mirrors throughout. To maintain a sense of peacefulness, there is a strict [no-phone policy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mudita-kompakt). The reason behind this anti-tech policy is to encourage a fresh appreciation of books rather than digital devices. As retail spaces become increasingly high-tech, Libreria provides a welcome reprieve for consumers who appreciate the simplicity of a good book. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.2/10 - Popularity: 74% | Activity: 74% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## 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 - **Anti-tech Bookstores:** Bookstores that promote being disconnected from technology to encourage a deeper appreciation for books. - **Handmade Bookshelves:** The rise of artisanal bookshelves to create a unique and tactile experience for customers. - **No-phone Policies:** Businesses implementing strict no-phone policies to provide customers with a peaceful and distractions-free environment. ### Who This Affects Most - **Bookstores:** Bookstores can embrace the anti-tech movement by incorporating handmade bookshelves and implementing no-phone policies to differentiate their brand. - **Artisanal Furniture:** Artisanal furniture makers have the opportunity to create unique bookshelves that provide a tactile and visually-appealing experience for customers. - **Retail Spaces:** Retail spaces can create a reprieve for consumers who desire a technology-free environment by implementing no-phone policies and offering handmade, artisanal bookshelves. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Book-Themed Bar Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/book-bar-toronto.md) - [Book Pile Retail Decor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aesop-store-1.md) - [Mobile Glass Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-libreria.md) - [Open-Air Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikea-billyotheque.md) - [Floating Wetland Bookstore](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xixi-goldmye-bookstore.md) - [Historic Academy Spatial Bookstores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/weishan-chongzheng-academy-bookstore.md) - [Tech-Charging Book Holders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/haaase-liesma-bookshelf.md) - [Immersive High-Fashion Retail Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bookstore-and-caf.md) - [Futuristic Interactive Retail Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/espacio-movistar.md)