How is the contemporary library imagined, designed, valued and understood? Do we appreciate the social, cultural and architectural significance of our libraries?

2018 marks the centenary of the Alexander Turnbull Library and the long-awaited opening of Tūranga, Christchurch’s new central city library. Meanwhile the University of Auckland has announced a decision to close three specialist Faculty of Creative Arts and Industries Libraries and consolidate their collections within the General Library. At this year’s Venice Architecture Biennale, the Finnish pavilion, titled ‘Mind-Building’, was devoted to the development of that country’s rich tradition of library architecture. This week, the Finns will celebrate the opening of Oodi, a much-hailed new library, described as a “public living room in the heart of Helsinki.” 

Are we living through an age of library building or retrenchment? What is the cultural impact when these spaces are under threat?

Join us for a discussion by three library experts with specialist knowledge in the fields of library architecture, the development and management of public libraries and the guardianship of cultural collections.

 Join chair Anna Miles (Curator, Ex Libris) in discussion with panellists Jon Rennie; (Architect and Principal of Athfield Architects), Jane Wild (Manager at Heritage Collections, Te Kura Tawhiti, Auckland Libraries) and Allison Dobbie (former Principal Development Advisor Community Services and General Manager, Libraries and Information at Auckland Council).

Refreshments will be provided for Objectspace's final event for 2018. Doors open at 5.30pm for a 6pm start. Places are limited, please book online here.