World Book Day: Best designed libraries of 2018 in the world

Everyone loves to read books. It is not just like a hobby. It is something different which drives people crazy. This year, on Monday, April 23, 2018, World Book Day will be celebrated across the world. The day falls annually on every April 23 and is recognised in over 100 countries.

This day is dedicated to bibliophile and marks the celebration of reading and honors authors and writers across the world.

In the honour of World Book Day 2018, we bring you the best-designed libraries of 2018 which American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Library Association (ALA) have awarded.

These six libraries with the 2018 AIA/ALA Library Building Awards for excellence in architectural design.

Since everyone prefers to read online but still traditional roles of libraries are evolving. Today, libraries are designed with larger gathering spaces to support the needs of the community and many include sustainable features to conserve water or energy. Both of these trends are reflected by this year’s AIA/ALA Library Building Award recipients.

The 2018 AIA/ALA Library Building Awards recipients are:

AUSTIN CENTRAL LIBRARY; AUSTIN, TEXAS

A technologically rich hub for innovation and cultural intelligence, the Austin Central Library has created a framework for lifelong learning that bolsters a more resilient community.

EASTHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY; EASTHAM, MASSACHUSETTS

The majority of the new building mass was positioned at the rear of the site to reconcile the size of the addition to the original library, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Overall, the building takes full advantage of the library’s waterfront setting while minimising the visual impact on the small structure of the road.

HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY RENOVATION/ADDITION; HASTINGS, NEBRASKA

The renovation updates the existing 29,000-square-foot library while adding 2,500 square feet of additional space. The floor plan was reconfigured to help the library meet 21st century standards for technology and programming, improve energy efficiency, and meet all life safety requirements.

LAUREL BRANCH LIBRARY; LARGO, MARYLAND

The 32,000-square-foot library replaces an existing facility, which was one of Prince George’s County’s most heavily used libraries. Its architecture provides a pedestrian-friendly solution that solidifies the library’s institutional presence while improving and respecting the park. The interior was designed to enhance the user experience through a replica paleontological dig site in the floor of the children’s area and public art pieces by local artists in other spaces.

PICO BRANCH LIBRARY; SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA

The library, located in the heart of Santa Monica’s Virginia Avenue Park, leverages its setting to encourage its use as both an educational resource and social gathering spot. The nearly 9,000-SF library preserves the site’s existing green space and takes advantage of previously underused space to further activate the park’s event plaza.

TULSA CITY-COUNTY CENTRAL LIBRARY; TULSA, OKLAHOMA

The design team approached the project with the goals of delivering a solution that responds to the needs of a 21st-century library while creating a destination that actively contributes to the city’s renewal. 

Austin Central Library and the Tulsa City-County Central Library are among the top projects for 2018. 

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