Designing Libraries

New partnership to map the future investment needs of England’s libraries. Designing Libraries (DL) has joined forces with global sustainable development consultancy Arup to deliver a landmark research project. designinglibraries.org.uk/news/arup-an...

In this lighthearted chat, @ayubkhan786.bsky.social from Designing Libraries joins BBC Radio Berkshire to explore why library buildings matter and how libraries are evolving to community need. designinglibraries.org.uk/news/ayub-kh...

Designing Libraries is keen to hear your views on our website and wider activities via this short online questionnaire which should take no more than 2 minutes to complete by 5th November 26. Thanks. Use this link to see the form: forms.cloud.microsoft/e/uqERsUeVSP

Our latest newsletter features standout case studies libraries, incl Haydock Library, the Seoul Outdoor Library, the spaceship inspired Lucas Museum of Narrative Art Research Library & the transformation of Cliftonville Library on our newly updated website: designinglibraries.org.uk/news/newslet...

Designing Libraries is partnering with #Arup to explore the future of England’s public library estate. Working alongside sector partners, we’re looking at how library buildings & spaces can continue to evolve to meet changing community needs, supporting learning, creativity, wellbeing & connection.

The winner of the IFLA Public Library of the Year Award 2026 has been announced at the IFLA World Library & Information Congress in Busan,South Korea. Congratulations to Mesa Gateway Library on this outstanding achievement! @ifla.org @ayubkhan786.bsky.social designinglibraries.org.uk/news/ifla-pu...

Taking a well earned holiday this Summer. Why not take a few moments before to catch up with our conference special newsletter, featuring highlights from the inaugural Designing Libraries Conference 2026, delegate feedback, inspiring quotes and photos. designinglibraries.org.uk/news/newslet...

All ready to welcome our guests to our inaugural Designing Libraries conference. It promises to be a stimulating and informative day. The conference could not take place without our generous supporters, sponsors and speakers

Not long to go now until our first National Library Conference and we're excited to share the news that our event is now fully booked. It promises to be a great day of innovative ideas, inspiring speakers & opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the library sector.

There's only a limited number of places remaining for our National Library Design Conference on 17th June. Secure your ticket & download the conference brochure for programme details, speaker profiles, sponsor information and practical guidance for the day designinglibraries.org.uk/news/nationa...

We’d like to say a big welcome to Gresswell, our latest Designing Libraries sponsor, so why not check out a variety of their new case studies we’ve recently added to the website designinglibraries.org.uk/about-design...

The Libraries Improvement Fund Round 5 is now open.📚 £5.5m available to help library services in England upgrade buildings, spaces and digital infrastructure. Find out more and apply. 🔗 https://bit.ly/4wcDVl4 Image Credit: Henleaze Library

If you haven’t received our latest newsletter, why not spring into action this weekend. Sign up now & watch your inbox blossom. It’s packed with blooming great content & details of our national library design conference, at Swiss Cottage Library on June 17th designinglibraries.org.uk/news/newslet...

You might be interested in signing up for this seminar, primarily aimed at colleagues in the Middle East, however, this maybe relevant to all colleagues across the globe. naseej.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

#openingthebook have recently relaunched their website and they have a new section on #librarydesign so it's definitely worth a look: www.openingthebook.com/library-desi... @ayubkhan786.bsky.social

An inspiring day at Warwick Castle meeting in 17th century Italian Library with our amazing DL sponsors #bibliotheca @designconceptuk.bsky.social #fgl #openingthebook Discussions covered web enhancements,IFLA collaboration & planning for an upcoming national conference on #librarydesign

A new week and a new raft of innovative library design case studies to inspire you all added to our website. Check them out now: designinglibraries.org.uk/case-studies/

Read our latest perspectives article where @ayubkhan786.bsky.social has an insightful talk with Sue Mckenzie about her work as a library consultant: designinglibraries.org.uk/perspectives...

Information Professional Digital Winter 2025 features Designing Libraries Director @ayubkhan786.bsky.social discussing trends in library design and technology designinglibraries.org.uk/news/trends-...

Read all about our latest featured library, Glucksman Library in The University of Limerick, which in November 2025, received a highly commended recognition for library spaces at the SCONUL Library Design Awards - designinglibraries.org.uk/libraries/gl...

Seasons Greetings to all our Advisory Board Members, contributors, Sponsors, followers and supporters. Thank you for making Designing Libraries such a success in 2025 and we look forward to working with you all in 2026.

If you haven't received our latest newsletter, packed full of Winter goodies, you can read it here and also, why not sign up for future editions, which are delivered quarterly straight to your email inbox: designinglibraries.org.uk/news/newslet...

Had a great session this morning with colleagues across the world from IATUL Sig Spaces, focusing on joint collaboration and the sharing of resources and best practice. Watch this space for further details! #IATULorg

Read all about the SCONUL Library Design Awards 2025 designinglibraries.org.uk/news/sconul-...

In the latest Winter edition of Information Professional magazine read DL Director @ayubkhan786.bsky.social informative article on the role of libraries in cultural regeneration - content.yudu.com/web/43mce/0A...

@librariesni.bsky.social

This is so true.‬⁩ Libraries are beacons of lights in our cities, towns and villages! www.linkedin.com/posts/librar...

We have curated a list of resources and links about National and international websites, online information sources and image galleries featuring library buildings and library design examples, all in one section as a one stop shop for anyone to access: designinglibraries.org.uk/resources/re...

In the Autumn 2025 edition of Information Professional magazine, our DL Director @ayubkhan786.bsky.social discusses how public libraries are supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities - designinglibraries.org.uk/news/how-pub...

If you've subscribed to our Designing Libraries newsletter, then you should've received our latest Awe inspiring Autumnal edition, but you can always choose to read it on the DL website, so why not check it out: designinglibraries.org.uk/news/newslet...

Check out this great and inspiring library design @librariesconnected.bsky.social article from Fiona Tarn, Chair of London Libraries: www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/camden-... @designconceptuk.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social

Read Daniela Hislop CEO of @designconceptuk.bsky.social captivating global perspective on library design @lizmcgettigan.bsky.social designinglibraries.org.uk/news/a-globa...

Check out this Designing Libraries in the 21st Century conference, taking place between September 28th - 30th at the University of Rochester in New York. More details here: www.library.rochester.edu/designinglib...

Read this informative, incisive and really interesting interview we've added with #JoshHughes who's recently become Managing Director of #FGLibrary designinglibraries.org.uk/news/josh-hu...

Another fantastic case study to read, but this time from FG Library all about the transformation of Henley Library into a vibrant, accessible and community centred hub! designinglibraries.org.uk/case-studies...

@ifla.org @ayubkhan786.bsky.social The winner of the IFLA public library of the year award 2025 will be announced very soon, but in the meantime, find out about the shortlisted applicants designinglibraries.org.uk/news/shortli...

Welcome to the future! Read the new innovative Northmoor Library, Oldham case study from @designconceptuk.bsky.social @lizmcgettigan.bsky.social designinglibraries.org.uk/case-studies...

Read all about this lovely woodland themed library in Wales. Our case study of Llanrwst Library tells how it was beautifully transformed by Opening the Book Ltd It's got fascinating, engaging illustrations and reading dens in the children's library too! designinglibraries.org.uk/case-studies...

DL Director @ayubkhan786.bsky.social has written a thought provoking article in the latest Information Professional Magazine on the subject of how libraries are tackling anti-social behaviour: content.yudu.com/web/43mce/0A...

Duke Humfrey's Library has been shortlisted as one of the Top 10 Most Beautiful Libraries in the World by @1000Libraries. We’re currently at number 5 - and we need your help to win! Please vote for the Duke Humfrey's Library: 1000libraries.typeform.com/to/TdFzuF5W?... All photos by Fisher Studios

Why not read our new Summer Sizzling newsletter, loaded with hot picks and cool summer delights! designinglibraries.org.uk/news/newslet...

Opened in 2022, the 6th floor extension of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Library includes distinct areas for both collaborative work and quiet study. designinglibraries.org.uk/case-studies...

We've been working hard putting up some brilliant new case studies on the website from our sponsors @designconceptuk.bsky.social FG Library and Opening the Book Ltd. It's exciting to read about and see these fantastic innovative projects come to fruition, Enjoy! @ayubkhan786.bsky.social

Congratulations to Designing Libraries Director @ayubkhan786.bsky.social on being elected to the @iflaglobal.bsky.social buildings section

One of the grandest entrances through an old foundry to a library I’ve ever seen and visited in the UK, at St Helen’s glass museum and library #theworldofglass @designinglibraries.bsky.social

@designconceptuk.bsky.social @lizmcgettigan.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social Experience the grand reopening of Chorlton Library, a historic Grade II-listed landmark in Manchester, meticulously refurbished to blend heritage with innovation. designinglibraries.org.uk/case-studies...

Creative #FridayFeeling Read all about this fascinating interactive sound archives sculpture, 'The Listening Desk,' which is now permanently installed in six libraries across the UK. designinglibraries.org.uk/news/listeni...

Read the fantastic new blog article on, 'Bringing Your Books Alive,' from Designing Libraries Sponsors, Opening the Book Ltd designinglibraries.org.uk/resources/re...

#ThursdayMotivation Important UK Home Office library news update! designinglibraries.org.uk/news/martyn-...

#thursdaymotivation Read this fantastic library design guest blog from @peters-books.bsky.social designinglibraries.org.uk/resources/re... @ayubkhan786.bsky.social