Never mind that old adage about judging a book by its cover: the way a library is designed makes an undeniable difference for its patrons. Here are 20 of the nation's most picturesque.
Although libraries function first as repositories for books and other materials, Megan Barber writes, "they also serve as places to study, research, and contemplate." In the digital age, their uses are expanding even further. It's no wonder many of them (though not all, sadly) have been designed with uplifting or thought-provoking aesthetics in mind.
From modern constructs like Rem Koolhaas' Seattle Central Library to iconic spaces like the New York Public Library's Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, Barber gives us a rundown of architectural explorations of the form.
The list includes a wide variety of styles from the contemporary Billings Public Library, completed in 2015, to Seattle's cathedral-esque Suzzallo Library or the strikingly Brutalist Geisel Library at the University of California San Diego. Whether you're an architecture aficionado or a bibliophile (or both), check it out.
FULL STORY: The 20 most beautiful libraries in the U.S.
Library Hours in New York City Show Huge Improvements
A study by the Center for Urban Future reveals library hours in New York City to have improved a great deal in recent years—while still lagging behind state and national averages.
Public Libraries May Be More Relevant Than Ever
Libraries around the country are expanding their services in an effort to become ‘third spaces’ for the community.
Dallas Doesn't Deliver on Promised Libraries
In 2006, Dallas voters approved a bond package that promised $42 million for new libraries. Ten years later, and after $11.75 million in spending, none of the projects are close to completion.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Has President Trump Met His Match?
Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.
Study: London ULEZ Rapidly Cleaning up Air Pollution
Expanding the city’s ultra low-emission zone has resulted in dramatic drops in particle emissions in inner and outer London.
Zero-Emission Bus Fleets Grow, But Federal Funding Is in Jeopardy
Transit agencies around the country have purchased over 7,000 zero-emission buses, but a federal program that funds the shift could be eliminated under the new administration.
HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.
Wisconsin Governor Opens Window for Regional Transit Authority
The proposed state budget includes a provision that allows local governments to establish a dedicated transit tax.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Strategic Economics Inc
Resource Assistance for Rural Environments
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service