BALLARD BRANCH
Seattle Public Library
Washington
The environment is key here, notably a green roof, recycled materials, covered porch,
sloping angles for indirect light, and climate-controlled computer-generated artwork. www.spl.org/locations/ballard-branch
JAMES B. HUNT JR. LIBRARY
North Carolina State
University, Raleigh
From its sleek exterior (pictured) to its contemporary, colorful furniture, this recently completed university library, open to the public, focuses on the future, including virtual shelves that rely on robots to deliver the reading material. www.lib.ncsu.edu/huntlibrary
SALT LAKE CITY MAIN LIBRARY
Utah
Designed by Somerville-based architect Moshe Safdie, the light-filled, six-story soaring space invites the public to gather in its writing center, shops, and cafe, as well as take in the view from the rooftop garden. www.slcpl.org
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GEISEL LIBRARY
University of California
San Diego
Designed in the late 1960s and open to the public, the main library on campus remains a bold architectural landmark. Later renamed in honor of benefactors Audrey and Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel, the building’s fantastical appearance seems prescient.
www.libraries.ucsd.edu
CENTRAL LIBRARY
Denver Public Library
Colorado
Postmodern populist architect Michael Graves brought a new scale and sweep to the downtown Civic Center neighborhood with a modern design that includes pastel interiors and a series of rotundas. www.denverlibrary.org