Have you noticed large portions of print books disappearing from your local library?

I have.

In 2022, I spent my spring semester studying the development of 21st-century libraries. It was my fourth year in architecture school and my semester-long assignment was to design a new library for Louisiana State University. My final project entailed a building with 224,375 net square feet and a list of specific designated spaces.

None of the designated spaces explicitly required bookshelves.

In fact, any shelving at all was nearly an afterthought. My professors explained it plainly. Libraries are evolving, and books are no longer the focal point. Technology, collaborative spaces and learning centers take precedence over the once-prominent written literature.

The contemporary library precedent I analyzed was the Austin Central Library.

One visit to this library confirmed my professors’ claims. Libraries do not simply house books anymore. Libraries have changed.

Based on further observation, they have transformed into a space made for community connections, endless resources (digital and physical) and learning experiences.

The South Regional Terrebonne Parish Library has a seed library that provides free access to vegetable, flower and herbal seeds. The Terrebonne Parish Main Library hosts sewing classes and occasional paint-alongs that encourage community involvement and the development of hobbies.

At many libraries, learning is no longer confined to a page. It’s put into action.

How should one feel about this?

It’s nearly impossible to find research on the subject. On one hand, paper books are diminishing in libraries. On the other hand, unavailable books can be requested by your librarians or accessed through the Libby system. So are we truly losing the literature we so desperately need?

I don’t think we are.

Yes, a piece of my heart breaks when I visit the library and have to travel three flights of stairs to find the books. Like any change, it is hard. However, this change has occurred over time in response to the needs of the people. More familiar faces gather together weekly for whatever additional community resources the library offers.

What are your thoughts?

Are libraries progressing by meeting a multitude of community needs? Or are libraries regressing, spreading themselves too thin and losing touch with their original purpose?

Feel free to tell me your thoughts in the comments below.