by ArchitectureWeek

When Scottish-American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie opened his first public library in his hometown of Dunfermline, Scotland, in 1883, the motto he had inscribed over the door was "Let there be light." Although he was probably referring to the enlightenment of learning, his words resonate today in the importance modern architects place on daylighting in libraries.

In the array of projects chosen for the 2007 AIA/ALA Library Building Awards, we see continuing evolution from Carnegie's generous libraries. In his day, Carnegie promoted the design of libraries with open stacks, where the patrons could browse books of shelves directly. In the buildings selected by a collaboration of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Library Association (ALA) the spirit of public library openness extends to Internet access, cultural displays, and community gathering.   >>>

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Ballard Library and Neighborhood Service Center, by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, is one of nine recipients of the 2007 AIA/ALA Library Building Award. Photo: Benjamin Benschneider Ballard Library. Photo: Benjamin Benschneider   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.