Libraries as Community Spaces: This Inspiration Report is meant to introduce U.S. library professionals to two relatively new Nordic libraries, Dokk1 in Denmark and Oodi in Finland. Both of these libraries were designed through an extensive participatory process with their communities. These two libraries both function as community spaces and hubs within their cities. Dokk1 and Oodi have much to teach us about the possible futures of public libraries and what might be over that next horizon.

Nalatie Alpers works as the Library Program Coordinator for a county library system in rural California. She enjoys working in her garden, going on hikes with her dog, and reading.