Public

A modern, angular glass and steel building is lit from within at dusk, with large, illuminated windows and straight lines. The surrounding area includes a sidewalk, bicycles, and other buildings in the background.

Bibliothèque Gabrielle-Roy, Québec

The second incarnation of Québec's central library aims to bring renewed attention to a struggling neighbourhood.
Interior of a multi-story library with open, tiered floors. Visible are several levels with bookshelves, study areas, and seating. A glass elevator is in motion in the background.

Toronto Reference Library

At the centre of North America's busiest public library system, the Toronto Reference Library is one of the city's most prized cultural assets.
A spacious library interior with large arched windows, wooden floors, red bookshelves, a central information desk, a clock on the back wall, and several people reading or working at tables.

Bibliothèque d’étude et du patrimoine de Toulouse

Completed in 1935, the Art Déco Toulouse research library is a rare example of libraries built in France during the interwar period.
Large, modern library with rows of tables where many people are seated, studying or using laptops. Bookshelves are visible in the background. The ceiling has visible blue ducts and industrial lighting.

Bibliothèque Publique d’Information du Centre Pompidou

One of the world's most recognizable museums, Paris' Centre Pompidou is also home to the largest public library in the city.
Large, modern library interior with tall white columns, rows of bookshelves filled with books, high ceilings, and large windows letting in natural light. Several people are sitting and reading or browsing books.

Töölö Library, Helsinki

A nice example of Finnish modernism, this library was originally part of a larger urban project by architect Aarne Ervi.
A person walks through a brick-arched library with bookshelves filled with books on both sides and another section visible through an arched doorway.

Biblioteca Comunale degli Intronati di Siena

The Intronati library combines a modern public library with a priceless historical collection inside the former home of one of Europe's oldest universities.
Interior of a church converted to a library. A glass enclosure containing the library is at the back, only occupying part of the church, which can be seen around the library.

Bibliothèque Félicité-Angers, Neuville

This little town in Quebec found an original way to preserve rare religious artifacts while updating the little-used church that protects them.
A large historic building with arched windows and columns stands on a snowy street. Leafless trees line the sidewalk, and blue banners hang from the facade. Snow covers the ground and parts of the building.

Former Toronto Reference Library

When it opened in 1908, the Central Reference Library was among Toronto's first purpose-built library buildings.
A red sports car is parked in front of a symmetrical brick building with columns and arched architectural details on a cloudy day. The street and surrounding area are quiet.

Former Preston Carnegie Library, Cambridge ON

Now a private property, this former library is a fine example of rural Carnegie libraries of the early 20th century.
The entrance to a white building labeled Kantonsbibliothek with a wooden door under a portico. Bicycles are parked on either side of the entrance.

Kantonsbibliothek Thurgau

From classrooms to reading rooms: since 1912, the cantonal library in Frauenfeld occupies the former high school.
A large, light yellow and orange building with multiple floors stands at the center, featuring a courtyard with outdoor seating, umbrellas, and parked motorcycles; hills and clear sky are visible in the background.

La Filanda, Mendrisio

From silk spinners to cash registers to 3D printers, this Southern Switzerland landmark has been reinventing itself for 150 years.
Interior of a contemporary library with curved white balconies, large windows allowing natural light, multiple floors with bookshelves, and people reading or working at tables on the lower level.

Surrey City Centre Library

The futuristic Surrey City Centre Library was designed by Bing Thom Architects and completed in 2011 as part of an ambitious plan to revitalize the area.
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