Some of the best minds of modern architecture have used their skills to design exceptional spaces that are available to everyone. These places give people a chance to congregate in sleek, beautifully crafted modern environments completely free of charge. Public libraries are an essential part of building communities and providing those communities with access to information, and enhanced education. As much as these libraries encourage an appreciation of literature, in the case of modern and midcentury libraries, they encourage an appreciation of great architecture as well. Here are some of our picks for the most interesting public libraries designed in the modern aesthetic along the west coast.
The Clairemont Library
San Diego, CA
Akin-Moore Yacht Brokerage, 1960
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Geisel Library
University of San Diego, CA
William Pereira, 1970
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Santa Monica Public Library Pico Branch
Santa Monica, CA
Koning Eizenberg Architecture, 2014
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West Hollywood Library
Los Angeles, CA
Johnson Favaro, 2011
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College of San Mateo Library
San Mateo, CA
John Carl Warnecke, 1963
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Mount Angel Abby Library
St. Benedict, OR
Alvar Aalto, 1970
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Seattle Central Library
Seattle, WA
Rem Koolhaus, 2004
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North East Branch, The Seattle Public Library
Seattle, WA
Paul Thiry, 1953
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