Public libraries and placemaking

Abstract

This paper emphasizes the concept of public space, how it is connected to public libraries and why it is so important in the society. The other aspect is the concept of placemaking and the attempt to explain what it means in relation to public space and public libraries. The situation where urbanization is growing and urban planning is an ongoing process offers great possibilities for public libraries. There is a need to encourage librarians to see the role of public libraries as public spaces and to strengthen that role by placemaking, by involving citizens in planning of libraries and their services. European and North-American libraries are used as examples to indicate what already has happened and what the role of public libraries is in supporting democracy and in improving the quality of life in cities. The motto for this paper comes from Brian Gambles, Assistant Director – Culture, Birmingham Library: “We are not building a library for the city. We are building the city.”

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