Libraries That Embrace Noise

Libraries, such as the new Salt Lake City library, are being designed to be amenable to a brave new, noisier world.

1 minute read

October 15, 2003, 12:00 PM PDT

The $65 million Salt Lake City library, designed by architect Moshe Safdie, "was designed not only to be an architecturally striking landmark but also to be the new information center and gathering spot for the 21st century. Librarians wear 'No Shh!' buttons; a cafe sells coffee, sandwiches and muffins; about 163 computers are available for games and Net surfing; and music can be heard on all floors-- and not just through headphones. There's also an art gallery, concerts, public meeting space, talks by authors and a CD and DVD collection that could rival Tower Records....This redesign of how people have thought of libraries isn't just a Salt Lake City phenomenon. New libraries are being planned in Des Moines, Philadelphia, Seattle, Minneapolis and Tulsa, and planners say they hope to adopt similar innovations."

Thanks to Connie Chung

FULL STORY: Here's America's unquietest library

Tuesday, October 14, 2003 in USA Today

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