Ideas and Dreams for A 21st Century Library

A blog by Beth Gourley, Director of Libraries at Interlochen Center for the Arts and a member of the new Interlochen Public Library campaign cabinet. Share your library dreams by commenting on this blog or email Beth at beahgo@gmail.com

Libraries have long been places where people gather to learn, share, and synthesize information. Add to that equation a leading technological university with forward-thinking leaders and you have the new Hunt Library (check out the video below). The students, faculty and administrators at North Carolina State University have high praise for the dynamic spaces that make this one of the most innovative libraries in the world.

While the library contains traditional quiet areas for those that just want to enjoy a good book, the facilitation of information sharing and collaboration is a major focus of the design. An automated book delivery system replaces traditional stacks, freeing up valuable space for interaction.

In addition to the architectural focus on high tech spaces, the building takes advantage of external landscapes and natural light. The result is a library that inspires its patrons to engage in the dynamic discovery required to shape the future.