design showcase Archives | American Libraries Magazine

Photo of Fulton County (Georgia) Library System's Central Library in Atlanta

2022 Library Design Showcase

By Sallyann Price | September 1, 2022

Environmentally sound Fulton County (Ga.) Library System, Central Library in Atlanta The interior design of the renovated downtown Central Library prioritizes accessibility, flexibility, and transparency, with large windows, multipurpose collaboration spaces, and a two-story atrium wrapping around a central staircase. The building, which is LEED Gold–certified, also emphasizes sustainability. By renovating instead of building entirely … Continue reading 2022 Library Design Showcase →

2022 Library Design Showcase call for submissions

Show Us Your Beautiful New Library

April 7, 2022

We are looking for examples of innovative library architecture that address patrons’ needs in unique, interesting, and effective ways. We are also interested in submissions from libraries that are responding to the pandemic through building design and renovation. If your library is on the cutting edge, we want our readers to know. To be eligible, … Continue reading Show Us Your Beautiful New Library →

Call Number with American Libraries, Episode 66 - Library Architecture and Design: The Past Meets the Future

Call Number Podcast: Library Architecture and Design

September 21, 2021

First, American Libraries Senior Editor and Call Number host Phil Morehart speaks with Heather Hart, manager of Salt Lake City Public Library’s Sprague branch, about renovations that were made to the 93-year-old, English Tudor–style library after a flood destroyed much of the building in 2017. Next, Morehart talks with Sean Ngo from architecture firm DLR … Continue reading Call Number Podcast: Library Architecture and Design →

2021 Library Design Showcase

By Phil Morehart | September 1, 2021

Higher learning D. H. Hill Jr. Library at North Carolina State University in Raleigh Lord Aeck Sargent transformed D. H. Hill Jr. Library into an open, light-filled facility with an eye on the future. The removal of stacks on the second and third floors created new areas for study, academic support, and technology immersion. In … Continue reading 2021 Library Design Showcase →

The Library Learning Center at Texas Southern University in Houston

Show Us Your Beautiful New Library

January 4, 2021

We are looking for examples of innovative library architecture that address patrons’ needs in unique, interesting, and effective ways. In this unprecedented year, we are also interested in submissions from libraries that are responding to the pandemic through building design and renovation. If your library is on the cutting edge, we want our readers to … Continue reading Show Us Your Beautiful New Library →

Library Learning Center at Texas Southern University in Houston. Photo: Kayla Hartzog

2020 Library Design Showcase

By Phil Morehart | September 1, 2020 Welcome to the 2020 Library Design Showcase, American Libraries’ annual celebration of new and renovated libraries. These shining examples of architectural innovation—completed before the COVID-19 pandemic—address user needs in unique, interesting, and effective ways. As with past showcases, renovations and expansions dominate submissions, as communities find novel ways to conserve and honor existing spaces while … Continue reading →

Dewey Decibel: Library Architecture and Design

Dewey Decibel Podcast: Library Architecture and Design

August 17, 2020

First, Dewey Decibel host and American Libraries Senior Editor Phil Morehart speaks with Wardell Ross Jr., director of Houston operations for architectural firm Moody Nolan, who was project manager for Texas Southern University’s new Library Learning Center. Morehart and Ross discuss the library’s features and how its design reflects and showcases the heritage of the … Continue reading Dewey Decibel Podcast: Library Architecture and Design →

Richland Library Main in Columbia, South Carolina, was featured in the 2019 Library Design Showcase. Photo: Garrett Rowland

Show Us Your Beautiful New Library

January 2, 2020

We are looking for shining examples of innovative library architecture that address patrons’ needs in unique, interesting, and effective ways. Previous submissions have ranged from stunning restorations of historic Carnegie buildings to vacant structures that have been repurposed into libraries to high-tech facilities with audio and video production studios. If your library is on the … Continue reading Show Us Your Beautiful New Library →

Dewey Decibel Podcast: Libraries of All Shapes and Sizes

September 30, 2019

First, American Libraries Senior Editor and Dewey Decibel host Phil Morehart speaks with Gretchen Caserotti, director of Meridian (Idaho) Library District, about its 320-square-foot Tiny Library. Next, American Libraries Managing Editor Terra Dankowski discusses the construction of Austin (Texas) Public Library’s $125 million Central Library with its project manager, Cynthia Jordan. Finally, Morehart speaks with Rachel … Continue reading Dewey Decibel Podcast: Libraries of All Shapes and Sizes →

2019 Library Design Showcase

By Phil Morehart | September 3, 2019 Welcome to the 2019 Library Design Showcase, American Libraries’ annual celebration of new and renovated libraries. These shining examples of innovative architectural feats address user needs in unique, interesting, and effective ways. Renovations and expansions continue to dominate submissions, as communities find novel ways to conserve and honor existing spaces while moving them well into … Continue reading →

2019 ALA/AIA Library Building Awards

By Phil Morehart | September 3, 2019 Tutt Library, Colorado College, Colorado SpringsArchitect: PfeifferPhoto: Steve Lerum Calgary (Alberta) Public Library, Central LibraryArchitect: Snøhetta and DialogPhoto: Michael Grimm The Milstein Center at Barnard College, New York CityArchitect: Skidmore, Owings, and MerrillPhoto: Magda Biernat San Mateo County (Calif.) Libraries, Half Moon Bay branchArchitect: Noll and Tam ArchitectsPhoto: Anthony Lindsey Photography Toronto Public Library, Albion … Continue reading →

2018 Library Design Showcase

By Phil Morehart | September 4, 2018

Latest Library Links

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Join ALA President Lessa Kanani‘opua Pelayo-Lozada at 1 p.m. Central on December 15 for “Our Brave Communities: Facing Censorship Head-On with ALA,” a conversation on censorship issues in libraries, related legislation, and how the Association is fighting book banning efforts. Panelists will include Martha Hickson (school librarian at North Hunterdon–Voorhees Regional High School District in Annandale, New Jersey), Brian Raitz (director of Parkersburg and Wood County Public Library in West Virginia), and Lisa Varga (executive director of the Virginia Library Association). Registration is required.

ALA Connect Live Series
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Juliana Kim writes: “When her author event at Pretty Good Books in Ashtabula, Ohio, had low turnout, Chelsea Banning was at her breaking point. ‘I was discouraged and bummed and I felt bad that the bookstore owner opened his store for me,’ she said. Banning tweeted about what happened with the intention of possibly deleting the tweet in a few hours. But that night, instead of taking down what she wrote, she stared at her tweet in shock as a mass of authors, including some of the most renowned novelists in the world, replied with their own experiences of low turnout.”

NPR, Dec. 6
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Lara Ewen writes: “After a year of unprecedented challenges and impressive successes, it’s time to celebrate the resilience of librarians. This holiday season, focus on gifts that highlight goodwill, inclusivity, and the joy of books. We’ve rounded up a list of presents that are fun, thoughtful, and affordable—most items are less than $40. And while you’re shopping, don’t forget to treat yourself, because everyone deserves a little extra kindness these days.”

AL Online, Dec. 7
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Richard Byrne writes: “This week is Computer Science Education Week. I’ve long thought that every student should have some experience with computer science. I was introduced to some computer science concepts when I was in elementary school in the 1980s through the use of Logo, and that experience is still beneficial to me today. If you would like to have your students get a little computer science experience this week, here are some good resources.” Tools include MIT App Inventor, Blackbird, and Scratch.

Free Technology for Teachers, Dec. 7
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Susie Mesure writes: “There is something about churning through books that induces envy and even admiration, never more than at this time of year when piles of finished tomes are splashed across social media. Bragging rights seem to go to those who have read lots of books and read them quickly – how many times have you seen someone boast about finishing 10 books in a year? What about five? But there is power in reading slowly.”

The Guardian, December 2
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Bruce Rosenstein writes: “In my recent guest post for the Wisdom Well blog of the entrepreneur/author Chip Conley, I wrote that he “has intuited that today we need a jolt of awareness that goes beyond knowledge workers (who may be an endangered species due to Artificial Intelligence/AI and other technological advances) to “wisdom workers.” Chip Conley’s latest, Wisdom at Work: The Making of a Modern Elder How to Reinvent the Second Half of Your Career, is included in my list of 55 select books below on longevity and productive aging.”

LLRX, November 29
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Lisa Kanarek writes: “I’ve lost my social skills!’ I texted to a friend while en route to my first in-person conference in four years. I had learned to appreciate the convenience of online learning. Virtual conferences aren’t going away—not everyone is comfortable traveling and spending time in meeting rooms surrounded by strangers. But in-person events are back, and when you’re ready to mingle with those who share a common interest, these tips can help you make the most of the experience.”

Wired, November 30

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