Glynn Stewart: Much as I approve of libraries going this way, I end up mourning "library as quiet space" I tried to work in an updated library recently, and there were no quiet spaces at all. Evolution is good, but smaller libraries especially lose the ability to have quiet corners.

The Helsinki library is like the apotheosis of Library As Useful Public Space. I am in awe.

“Ok, let’s make a bright accessible kid-friendly space with stacks and games to check out and chess tables and a cafe on every floor and if you want a book, just go through the website and we’ll pull it out and have it ready for you!”

“Check out a musical instrument with your library card, and reserve one of our recording studios to play in!”

“This floor is the computer lab and this floor is the maker’s space. Do you want to reserve the giant vinyl cutter or the laser engraver?”

“Would you like to sew? Library card!”

I just. The glimpse of a society where you actually fund the library? Like a lot? And people USE it? It was packed!

Much as I approve of libraries going this way, I end up mourning "library as quiet space" I tried to work in an updated library recently, and there were no quiet spaces at all. Evolution is good, but smaller libraries especially lose the ability to have quiet corners.

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