SubscribeSign In
Collection by Jani Cowan

LIBRARY

View 18 Photos
Biblioteca Vasconcelos "When President Vicente Fox inaugurated the library on May 16, 2006, he described it as one of the most advanced constructions of the 21st century, and said it would be spoken of throughout the world. Even thought the library was plagued by many construction defects that forced its closure in March 2007, it is now fully operational and its main hall is one of the most powerful architectural spaces recently built in Mexico City."
Biblioteca Vasconcelos "When President Vicente Fox inaugurated the library on May 16, 2006, he described it as one of the most advanced constructions of the 21st century, and said it would be spoken of throughout the world. Even thought the library was plagued by many construction defects that forced its closure in March 2007, it is now fully operational and its main hall is one of the most powerful architectural spaces recently built in Mexico City."
Royal Grammar School Chained Library in Guildford, England-Established in the early 1500s, the Royal Grammar School contains one of few remaining examples of the practice of chaining books to shelves. This allowed important or particularly useful books to be placed in communal areas for public perusal rather than locked away, paving the way for the public library system. Now the Headmaster's Study, the Chained Library holds books that date back to the late 1400s, including two early editions of Sir Isaac Newton's Principia. Photo: traceyp3031
Royal Grammar School Chained Library in Guildford, England-Established in the early 1500s, the Royal Grammar School contains one of few remaining examples of the practice of chaining books to shelves. This allowed important or particularly useful books to be placed in communal areas for public perusal rather than locked away, paving the way for the public library system. Now the Headmaster's Study, the Chained Library holds books that date back to the late 1400s, including two early editions of Sir Isaac Newton's Principia. Photo: traceyp3031
Rotating art exhibitions will be the purview of Tani Burns and Andrew Hancock of Art Naked, while Cecily Mullins and Nicola Robinson will handle cultural programming. The club's actual library features a bespoke bench and Bala tables by Jaime Hayon.
Rotating art exhibitions will be the purview of Tani Burns and Andrew Hancock of Art Naked, while Cecily Mullins and Nicola Robinson will handle cultural programming. The club's actual library features a bespoke bench and Bala tables by Jaime Hayon.
Picture Book Library in Iwaki City, Japan-Built in 2005, the Picture Book Museum gave the preschoolers of Iwaki, Fukushima, a space to call their own. Turned off by the shhh-ing atmosphere of traditional libraries, the Picture Book Library's founder gave architect Tadao Ando free rein to create a space that would be inviting for children. His only order was to make sure the covers of the books were visible. The glass-walled and vibrant end result was celebrated as a new paradigm in educational spaces in Japan, and as an architectural masterpiece. Photo: Ken Lee 2010
Picture Book Library in Iwaki City, Japan-Built in 2005, the Picture Book Museum gave the preschoolers of Iwaki, Fukushima, a space to call their own. Turned off by the shhh-ing atmosphere of traditional libraries, the Picture Book Library's founder gave architect Tadao Ando free rein to create a space that would be inviting for children. His only order was to make sure the covers of the books were visible. The glass-walled and vibrant end result was celebrated as a new paradigm in educational spaces in Japan, and as an architectural masterpiece. Photo: Ken Lee 2010
A key request from the client was ample room for books. "Brian had us promise that we would give him room to grow his collection," the firm says. The solution was a large library with walnut shelves that was custom-built by woodworker Tom Clossey.
A key request from the client was ample room for books. "Brian had us promise that we would give him room to grow his collection," the firm says. The solution was a large library with walnut shelves that was custom-built by woodworker Tom Clossey.
Library of Congress in Washington, DC, USA-The McAllen Public Library may be the largest single-story library in the nation, but the Library of Congress in Washington, DC is the largest library in the world with over 151.8 million items sitting on 838 miles of bookshelves. Maybe the massive collection is trying to compensate for its smallest book—a 1/25" x 1/25" copy of Old King Cole, the pages of which can only be turned with the help of a needle. Photo: maveric2003
Library of Congress in Washington, DC, USA-The McAllen Public Library may be the largest single-story library in the nation, but the Library of Congress in Washington, DC is the largest library in the world with over 151.8 million items sitting on 838 miles of bookshelves. Maybe the massive collection is trying to compensate for its smallest book—a 1/25" x 1/25" copy of Old King Cole, the pages of which can only be turned with the help of a needle. Photo: maveric2003
The library was designed by Charles McKim between 1902 and 1906.
The library was designed by Charles McKim between 1902 and 1906.
Another view of the bar, showcasing the recycled-glass bar top. Designer Chris Duffy made the bar tables against the wall.
Another view of the bar, showcasing the recycled-glass bar top. Designer Chris Duffy made the bar tables against the wall.
Our kids are our future—teach them to be conscientious and kind to Mother Earth with these sweet, informative children’s books.
Our kids are our future—teach them to be conscientious and kind to Mother Earth with these sweet, informative children’s books.
The studio’s second floor serves as a library. The sunken bathtub offers interrupted sightlines across the space and out into the backyard. The tub, like the library’s floor, is made of concrete.
The studio’s second floor serves as a library. The sunken bathtub offers interrupted sightlines across the space and out into the backyard. The tub, like the library’s floor, is made of concrete.
In 1924, eleven years after Pierpont Morgan's death, his son, J. P. Morgan, Jr. (1867–1943), made the library available to the public.
In 1924, eleven years after Pierpont Morgan's death, his son, J. P. Morgan, Jr. (1867–1943), made the library available to the public.
Stuttgart City Library in Stuttgart, Germany-Designed by Korean architect Eun Young Yi, the new Stuttgart City Library opened in 2011 to mixed reviews from locals, library enthusiasts, and architects. It's been derided as a two-color Rubik's Cube, a block-shaped prison for books, and a sterile unfriendly environment. But with the funnelling staircases connecting the book-filled floors skyward and hidden cozy seating areas, I think it looks more like a less-fluffy heaven for nerds.
Stuttgart City Library in Stuttgart, Germany-Designed by Korean architect Eun Young Yi, the new Stuttgart City Library opened in 2011 to mixed reviews from locals, library enthusiasts, and architects. It's been derided as a two-color Rubik's Cube, a block-shaped prison for books, and a sterile unfriendly environment. But with the funnelling staircases connecting the book-filled floors skyward and hidden cozy seating areas, I think it looks more like a less-fluffy heaven for nerds.
Boston Public Library in Boston, USA-Opened in 1848, the Boston Public Library is the second largest library in the United States, with over 24 million volumes. It was also the first public, free-to-all library, and the first to lend books out to patrons. So, if you've ever had to pay a 13-year-old library fine for those Goosebumps books you borrowed when you were 11, you know who to thank. Photo: R..D
Boston Public Library in Boston, USA-Opened in 1848, the Boston Public Library is the second largest library in the United States, with over 24 million volumes. It was also the first public, free-to-all library, and the first to lend books out to patrons. So, if you've ever had to pay a 13-year-old library fine for those Goosebumps books you borrowed when you were 11, you know who to thank. Photo: R..D
Grant Mudford, Phillips Exeter Academy Library by Louis Kahn.
Grant Mudford, Phillips Exeter Academy Library by Louis Kahn.
Here, the Library Bar, which is equally dark and richly textured, a marked difference from the scruffy Garment District neighborhood right outside.
Here, the Library Bar, which is equally dark and richly textured, a marked difference from the scruffy Garment District neighborhood right outside.
A behind the scenes moment: Last minute party preparations with Dwellers Nuala Berrells and Sara Ost (center); team members from Sett Studio, GoodLife Team, and WakaNINE make last minute adjustments as the line outside grew around the block.
A behind the scenes moment: Last minute party preparations with Dwellers Nuala Berrells and Sara Ost (center); team members from Sett Studio, GoodLife Team, and WakaNINE make last minute adjustments as the line outside grew around the block.
A collection of buildings, The Morgan Library & Museum began as the private library of financier J. Pierpont Morgan (1837–1913). As early as 1890 Morgan had an assemblage of illuminated, literary, and historical manuscripts, early printed books, and old master drawings and prints.
A collection of buildings, The Morgan Library & Museum began as the private library of financier J. Pierpont Morgan (1837–1913). As early as 1890 Morgan had an assemblage of illuminated, literary, and historical manuscripts, early printed books, and old master drawings and prints.