Malmö City Library

One of the most impressive public libraries I have visited. The scale of the building really surprised me. The huge open reading hall, the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the park and the amount of space make it feel much more than just a library. It is quiet, bright and welcoming, whether you want to read, study or simply take a break from the city. Even if you are not looking for a book, it is worth visiting just to appreciate the architecture and atmosphere. A great example of how a public space can be both practical and inspiring.

Malmö Library is a wonderful place with a calm atmosphere, a great selection of books, and helpful staff. The facilities are clean and well-organized, making it an excellent place for reading, studying, or spending time with family. Highly recommended!

Malmö Stadsbiblioteket is a wonderful library with a strong selection of books, media, reading rooms, community-, educational-, and networking events, and many quiet places to chill, study, or read. We are lucky to have such a gorgeous castle to house these books and even some people. Stadsbiblioteket is well worth a visit, and the park that surrounds it is a beautiful place to stroll. Make it a day-trip by grabbing an extraordinary baguette sandwich at Pic-Nic, strolling the graveyard at Gamla kyrkogården, reading a book at Stadsbiblioteket, and walking the grounds at Slottsparken. What a fun and cheap day around Malmö.nnAt Medialab, I’ve copied, printed, designed, recorded, edited, cut-up and pasted all kinds of projects—from posters, to photo engagements, postcards, videos, conference calls, concert recordings, scrapbooks, and more. I’ve gotten free access to Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, Audition, DaVinci Resolve, and Audacity. I’ve used / loaned out for free flatbed high-resolution graphics scanners, Apple Mac computers, handheld Spatial Audio microphone recorders, and USB-stick hard drives. I’ve tried my hand at all sorts of hardware and software experiments, and made stuff that I can take away and try to cherish. I’ve been helped and supported by the kind-hearted staff, and given ideas and inspirations that gently fuelled my creative work. All thanks to Malmö stadsbiblioteket and, more specifically, Paula at Medialab, for helping me with these special requests. While there is some room for improvement and expansion at Medialab — re: 3D-printers; laser engraving machines; sewing and fabric workstations; and, sound vinyl, CD, cassette, photo film, and video VHS, DVD, tape archival equipment — still, Malmö stadsbiblioteket has done a good job at helping us making the most out of what we currently have available.

One of the largest libraries I have visited so far. It is situated by a beautiful lake and surrounded by greenery. The books are spread across several floors, offering panoramic views. There is a lovely, relaxing bar on the ground floor.

Malmö City Library feels like two libraries that decided to live together and actually made it work. One side is classic and rustic, the other is all glass and modern, connected by a bright open space with high ceilings that makes you want to whisper even if no one told you to. Looking down into the big glass atrium from the upper floors is easily the highlight.nnThat said, the newer side’s second and third floors are a little… creaky. The floors squeak and feel slightly warped, which makes you wonder if water damage is part of the design story. The older side could also use a bit of freshening up, but honestly, that just adds to the charm.nnOverall, it’s a great place to slow down, wander, and pretend you’re way more intellectual than you actually are. Beautiful, peaceful, slightly imperfect, and very Malmö.