Designing Libraries

Ayub Talks to Sue Ayub Khan talks to Sue Mckenzie, libraries consultant, about the consultant’s perspective on library design projects

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...

Trends in Library Design and Technology Information Professional Digital Winter 2025 features Designing Libraries Director Ayub Khan discussing trends in library design and technology

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

Glucksman Library - University of Limerick The University of Limerick Glucksman Library's expansion was driven by digital transformation, evolving pedagogies, and a growing, diverse student body.

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...

A photograph of a Christmas Tree full of books hanging from its branches

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.

December 2025 Newsletter Read the Winter 2025 Designing Libraries International Newsletter here

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

SCONUL Library Design Awards 2025 Winners of the 2025 SCONUL Library Design Awards, which includes a new category for service design this year, alongside the established category

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

When the clocks go back and the nights close in, towns and cities start to change. Streets grow quieter, shopfronts dim earlier, and people retreat indoors. But in windows across Northern Ireland… | L... When the clocks go back and the nights close in, towns and cities start to change. Streets grow quieter, shopfronts dim earlier, and people retreat indoors. But in windows across Northern Ireland, the...

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

Related design sites and image galleries National and international websites, online information sources and image galleries featuring library buildings and library design examples.

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...

How public libraries support children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Information Professional Autumn 2025 features Designing Libraries Director Ayub Khan discussing how libraries are offering support for children with SEND

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...

September 2025 Newsletter Read the Autumn 2025 Designing Libraries International Newsletter here

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

Daniela Hislop CEO of the Design Concept's global perspective on library design "The future of libraries is already happening. It’s bold, inclusive and beautiful - and it’s time to pay attention.”

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...

Interview with Josh Hughes, Managing Director of FG Library In this interview Josh shares his thoughts on his new role as Managing Director, what the position involves, and his aspirations for the company's future.

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...

Henley Library, Henley-on-Thames Henley Library underwent a comprehensive refurbishment to transform it into a vibrant, accessible, and community-centred hub

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...

Shortlisted Applicants for IFLA Public Library of the Year Award 2025 The Public Library of the Year award is presented by the International Federation of Library Associations & Institutions, to honour new public libraries

@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...

Northmoor Library, Oldham Welcome to the future! Northmoor - a hub of opportunity

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...

Llanrwst Library, Wales A new community hub for rural Conwy when the building which had been the Glasdir Business and Conference Centre in Llanrwst became available.

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...

InfoPro Rewired 2025

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...

The interior of Duke Humfrey's viewed looking from Arts End looking down the desk-lined central aisle towards the stained glass window at Selden End.

The Duke Humfrey's ceiling, painted with panels displaying University of Oxford's motto, 'Dominus Illuminatio Mea (Latin for 'the Lord is my light'). In between the panels here we can see two white, blue and gold crests. These are Thomas Bodley's coat of arms. Image 4: The bronze statue of the Earl Of Pembroke which stands in Old Schools Quad, in front of the entrance to Duke Humfrey's.

The exterior of the Library and the Divinity School. Elaborate medieval gothic architecture with enormous arched windows on the ground floor, smaller arched windows on the second, and four tall elaborate spires amongst the crenellations along the roof.

The bronze statue of the Earl Of Pembroke which stands in Old Schools Quad, in front of the entrance to Duke Humfrey's.

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

June 2025 Newsletter Read the Summer 2025 Designing Libraries International Newsletter here

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

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Library New Extension Floor Opened in 2022, the 6th floor extension of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Library includes distinct areas for both collaborative work and quiet study

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...

Case Studies Case studies from Designing Libraries' sponsors, showcasing some of the latest library building transformation projects.

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

Chorlton Library, Manchester Chorlton Library, a historic Grade II-listed landmark in Manchester has been meticulously refurbished to blend heritage with innovation.

@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...

The Listening Desk by Emily Peasgood Studio, in collaboration with Studio Ben Allen It's a functional and interactive sound sculpture, inviting people to access and create soundscapes with sound archives, in a fun and playful way.

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...