Stadsbiblioteket, Stockholm

Stadsbiblioteket i Stockholm (The Stockholm Public Library) is a landmark building. It is designed by the architect Gunnar Asplund. It opened in 1928. This library building is a temple for literature, knowledge and wisdom. There are many fine details in the design and interior and the atmosphere is great. For example in the children´s  department there is a unique story hour room with a large fresco painting by the artist Nils Dardel. The rotunda is a very characteristic book tower. The interior and services have undergone changes but that has not disturbed the original character of the design. More is needed, however, and it is good to know that there are advanced plans to take over and change functions for the shops and cafés in front of the building. That part could combine the appreciated traditional library with the latest and most modern library services and be a sort of shop window for the complete establishment. Today the international library with the collection of over 100 languages and the section for newspapers and magazines are located in a separate annex building. FIVE stars: Excellent.