MS&R is beginning the design of a new regional library for the Louisville Free Public Library. As we all know, the future of the public library is in question (at least in the minds of many.) We want the new library to be both a reflection of the strong traditions of the library yet open up to the possibilities that the future hold. One scenario–which runs counter to what many architects have professed and built–is to accept that the library (which should reflect the patrons) should be physically bi-furcated into digital-analog domain that accepts the notion that one size does not fit all. (Note: a tag on a recently purchased hat: one size fits most.) We also acknowledge the current auto-responses to the siren calls of instant messaging; instant posting; parsing the world into 144 characters. Yet we somehow can not let our library buildings become an reflection of this techno-infatuation.
So–we pose the the question: “What do you think the library of the future should look like?” Post your comments here; on the facebook at http://tinyurl.com/ychscdq; on Twitter at msrltd.
