Libraries

My interest in library architecture started as I was involved in the planning for a new library building. Looking for inspiration, I started researching and then visiting other libraries that were moving into new spaces or undergoing a revitalization. I often photographed details that struck my interest, and gradually became fascinated with the unique visuals offered by all libraries, big and small.

To this day, I make a point of visiting as many libraries as I can when traveling, and often plan my trips around buildings I’m interested in visiting and photographing.

Latest posts

To date, I have visited more than 300 libraries for this project. I have started collecting some of my favourite examples of library architecture on these pages. Many more can be found on my Flickr,  Instagram or Mastodon feeds.

This is a work in progress, and I will keep updating this site as I learn more about the libraries I have visited. A selection of recently updated posts can be seen below, or you can view the whole list here. I also have a page dedicated to adaptive reuse library projects.

Happy exploring!

Interior of a modern library with wood-panelled walls. It is a large room with rows of tables and large windows to the left. Students are working at the tables and computer workstations.

Bibliothèque François-Hertel, Cégep de la Pocatière

The library at Cégep de la Pocatière blends state-of-the-art equipment with mid-century elegance.
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Exterior of a traditional French bastide house in a lush green park, with trees in the foreground.

Bibliothèque les Deux-Ormes – Aix-en-Provence

Near Cézanne's childhood home west of Aix-en-Provence, this former bastide serves as neighbourhood library since 1993.
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Interior of a library in a stone vaulted space with white modern bookshelves on wheels. A fresco showing a bathing scene is on the back wall.

Bibliothèque Méjanes – Halle aux Grains, Aix-en-Provence

From granary to post office to public library, the stone vaults of the Halle aux Grains in Aix-en-Provence still offer a welcome oasis of calm next to the busy market square.
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Interior of an industrial space converted into a library with a multistory roof lit by clerestory windows supported on iron beams and poles. A mezzanine crosses the space with stairs on either side. We see bookshelves at the back and a service counter with two people interacting at the front.

Bibliothèque Méjanes – Allumettes, Aix-en-Provence

A former safety match factory has been home to the Aix en Provence public library since 1989. Soon to be renovated, this space is a beautiful example of adaptive reuse of industrial spaces.
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Interior view of a patrimonial library with rows of oak bookshelves filled with ancient books on either side and an antique globe in the middle.

Bibliothèque multimédia intercommunale d’Épinal

This public library in Vosges is built around a treasury chest: an unique collection dating back to the first millennium and its 18th century shelves.
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Exterior of a modern library at nightfall. It is a rectangular building with a facade of thin concrete fins. The building is lit with a warm yellow light. There is snow on the ground.

Bibliothèque de l’Université Laval, Québec

Contrary to what it stern exterior may imply, Laval University main library in Québec City opened in 1968 as a future-ready flexible space.
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More…

Bucket list

The map below is my attempt to keep track of all the libraries I’ve been to (green and blue markers) and the ones I would like to visit one day (red markers). It is very unlikely.

If you know a library that should be on this list, let me know!

Test your knowledge

If you like the GeoGuessr game, try out my maps!

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