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!

Exterior of a brick modernist library, a symmetrical rectangular building with a bay of concrete-framed windows to the centre.

University of Windsor Leddy Library

At the foot of the Ambassador Bridge to Detroit, the modernist Leddy Library marks the University of Windsor's shift from its roots as a Jesuit college to a public university.
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Exterior of a brick Modernist library. The words "G. Flint Purdy Library" are displayed in white letters on the facade.

Wayne State University Libraries

Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan is a fine example of an early modern American campus.
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Interior of a Beaux-Arts library building, showing a large mural depicting the bust of a man holding allegories of scientific achievements.

Detroit Public Library

Cass Gilbert's Beaux-Arts masterpiece was a key element of Detroit's City Beautiful aspirations.
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Exterior of the USI library in Lugano, Switzerland. It is a neobaroque building with vaulted windows and unadorned stone facade, with a contemporary concrete and metal extension to the right. The modern extension resembles a lattice of concrete elements supporting dark metal boxes. A woman walks in front the building.

Biblioteca universitaria USI Lugano

This former hospice for the elderly witnessed the early years of artificial intelligence research before welcoming the library of a brand new university.
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Interior of a Neogothic library reading room, showing a high rib vaulted ceiling and fan windows. Large chandeliers hang from the ceiling. The room is filled with long work tables, on which a few students are seated.

Library of the Budapest University of Technology and Economics BME-OMIKK

The grand reading room of the BME-OMIKK library in Budapest mixes medieval structural knowledge and 19th century engineering in a cathedral of knowledge.
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Exterior of a contemporary library at nightfall. Each level is slightly offset from the others, resembling a stack of boxes. The top floor is cantilevered over the plaza below. The library is brightly lit from the inside.

Halifax Central Library

Halifax's living room is a beloved community asset and a striking symbol for a city punching above its weight.
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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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