Stockholm Public Library

"The Stockholm Public Library (Stockholms stadsbibliotek), designed by renowned Swedish architect Gunnar Asplund, stands as one of Stockholm's most iconic buildings and a significant example of early 20th-century architecture. It is not only the main library building but also represents the municipal library system of Stockholm. The design was discussed by a committee in 1918, of which Asplund himself was a member, and a final scheme was proposed in 1922. Construction commenced in 1924, and the library officially opened on March 31, 1928, in the presence of Prince Eugen. Asplund's design marked a shift from his classical roots to a more functionalist approach. The central feature is the building’s rotunda, a tall cylindrical structure that creates a sense of monumentality and grandeur. Originally, Asplund considered incorporating a dome but ultimately opted for the rotunda, a decision influenced by the Barrière Saint-Martin (Rotonde de la Villette) in Paris, designed by Claude Nicolas Ledoux. The rotunda is surrounded by a square base, and all interior furnishings were meticulously designed to suit specific functions and locations. Notably, the library was Sweden's first to implement the concept of open shelves, where visitors could directly access books without the assistance of staff. Asplund’s exposure to American libraries influenced this innovation during its construction. The surrounding parkland, designed by Asplund and completed in 1931, enhances the setting with its large pond and adjacent shops. The complex was completed with three annexes, designed by different architects, including Erik Lallerstedt and Paul Hedqvist. Today, Stockholm Public Library holds more than 2 million volumes and over 2.4 million audio tapes, CDs, and audiobooks. A prominent section of the library is the "international library," which houses a vast collection of foreign language materials. Located in an annex near Odenplan, it includes works in over 100 languages, with particularly large collections in Persian, Arabic, and Spanish. This international section plays a crucial role in serving both Stockholm and libraries across Sweden through interlibrary loans, catering to Sweden’s diverse linguistic communities."