Read the room: Europe’s innovative libraries

Public libraries are facing existential challenges in our modern world of budget cuts, austerity measures and fastpaced technology. To prove it doesn’t have to be this way, we look to some European examples of innovative approaches to libraries.

The pandemic amplified the need for community spaces and digital learning areas and if reimagined with the correct care and investment, this could fulfil the untapped potential of libraries. Some European municipalities have made multi-million-pound investments in libraries over the last decade, transforming them into cultural hubs and tourist attractions as well as information facilities. Using sociologist Ray Oldenburg’s term ‘third place’, libraries are uniquely placed to host study areas, community groups, cultural events, creative spaces and restaurants or cafes. Looking at some of Europe’s largest projects, increased investment has provided benefits that far surpass those enjoyed by a typical library. Here are some exciting examples…

Finland

Finland is one of the leading countries for library services, boasting one of the highest numbers of library visits and library items borrowed per capita in the world. Helsinki’s Director of Culture once said, “libraries are the second highest-rated public service in the city, after drinking water”.

Despite being the third most sparsely populated country in Europe, 93% of Finns live within 10km of their nearest library. Poorly-connected areas are subsidised by over 140 mobile libraries, which have been running since 1913. All libraries are maintained by the Library Act, which states each Finnish municipality must provide library services that reach a regulated standard.

In the mid-2010s, Helsinki opened a €98m library called Oodi which was created to promote equality and citizenship through education. Its location, directly opposite parliament, was chosen to bridge a gap between politicians and the people. Oodi boasts a café, cinema, recording studio and creative spaces with 3D printers. Linking third places together is commonplace in the infrastructure of Finnish libraries – for example, other libraries in Helsinki are attached to supermarkets.

Belgium

When the Belgium city of Ghent opened the De Krook library in 2017, it was quick to market its new public space as an all-encompassing third place. Viewed as a cultural centre rather than a traditional library, it is equipped with a restaurant and meeting spaces where visitors can enjoy views of the river running through the city. Ghent municipality abandoned plans to build a new concert venue in favour of funding the library –considering it as the most inclusive and accessible cultural space to boost footfall in the city centre.

De Krook library was instantly popular, attracting its one-millionth visitor in its seventh month. Ghent has a population of around 469,000, suggesting the opening was also supported by tourists. The library has continued to attract local community involvement by hosting a range of free regular events – including careers fairs, legal advice sessions and classes helping local people acquire basic IT skills. Diverse programmes appear to have helped increase interest in the library’s fundamental service too and since opening, library loans have increased by 10%.

Norway

The Deichman Bjørvika, located on Oslo’s harbourfront, was the winner of the 2021 Public Library of the Year. The 13,500 square meter building was opened to the public only a year prior and is spread across six storeys and is home to over 450,000 different materials. The library’s designers say the aim was to offer a variety of spaces within one large continuous space. It has been organised with more quiet and contemplative areas towards the top, giving visitors views of Oslofjord and the city’s surrounding forest-filled islands.

With the reading rooms and study rooms found on the upper floors, the first two floors feature a café, cinema, restaurant, gaming zones and a 200-seat auditorium. A ‘people’s workshop’ is located on the third floor which is home to 3D printers, sewing machines and music studios for those wanting to engage in creative practices. Like Finland, Norwegian libraries often diversify their libraries with third places – for example, other libraries in Oslo feature rooftop bars and restaurants.

Examples from Europe show that, if supported correctly, libraries have the unique capability of attracting people from all parts of society – regardless of age, background, educational attainment or interests. Although difficult to budget for in the short term, the medium to long term benefits of investing in libraries will persist and could be substantial. In fact, reconsidering libraries as a vital third place could see them return to being the cornerstone of local communities.