Sundsvalls stadsbibliotek

Sundsvall is an industrial municipality on the east coast of Sweden, roughly 375 kilometers north of Stockholm. It has a population of 100 000 inhabitants. Sundsvalls stadsbibliotek (Sundsvall City Library) is located in a cultural centre called Kulturmagasinet. The name describes the origin of the building. Four beautiful old harbour magazines have been converted into one building by glazing the streets between the magazines. The result is an interesting combination of architecture of the 1890´s and a radical modern glass construction. The new concept Kulturmagasinet was opened in 1986 and it contains a library, a museum, archives and advisory activities. The library is easy to reach and with its spacious surface it provides room for a high quality collection and for various reading and working places. An important part of the library is a ”DigidelCenter” which offers services for digitalization and digital participation.  The website of the library is attractive and the e-library does not include only e-material but also information and advice, e g critical thinking in the use of internet. After more than three decades since the opening of the cultural centre the concept still is very attractive. FIVE stars: Excellent.