Libraries are no longer places with silent books. Other libraries in Asia have turned out to be a cultural site, a combination of architecture, history and knowledge in ways that inspire. These five libraries demonstrate how the learning spaces are being redefined on the continent, from eco-friendly design to historic institutions.
Beitou Library, Taipei, Taiwan
Located in Beitou Park, it is regarded as one of the green spaces in Taiwan. It is environmentally friendly with wooden construction, which lets natural light and airflow inside; solar panels minimise the consumption of energy.
Mumbai, India David Sassoon Library and Reading Room
The David Sassoon Library is one of the oldest known public libraries in Mumbai, having been founded in 1847. The building is constructed in the Venetian Gothic style and is an architectural masterpiece that has pointed arches and stained glass windows.
Kanazawa Umimirai Library, Kanazawa, Japan
Kanazawa Umimirai Library is a wonderful modern construction. It has a minimalistic cube-like construction with an excess of 6000 circular blocks of glass that allow natural light to penetrate inside the building, and this produces a serene reading atmosphere.
Starfield Library, Seoul, South Korea
The Starfield Library has thousands of titles in an open, communal area with towering bookshelves and a height of more than 13 metres. It is also a vibrant literature, art and community meeting place beyond books, as the library often hosts cultural programs.
Bangkok, Neilson Hays Library, Thailand
The Neilson Hays Library is a neoclassical library constructed in 1922 with a rich stock of books in the English language. It is culturally important with its domed rotunda, vaulted ceilings and art gallery.
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