A library with more than just books

LIBRARY Loosduinen

The Hague, The Netherlands

A good library offers more than just books. It is an experience place for visitors: be surprised and inspired, discover new worlds, meet others and attend activities. The Loosduinen 'new style' library exudes this vision in everything: in the collection, in the new interior and the warm, rich atmosphere that we have created together.

The idea is to connect the new style to the Westland. A greenhouse was made using greenhouse material, which now houses an office space, instruction room, public workplaces and an information and help point of the municipality. The library itself also breathes the Westland. From boxes on wheels to the new auction crates on the walls to present books. The large amount of wood, including a wall with recycled wood from boxes, is alternated with steel and concrete. It is a combination of an industrial, but also a warm appearance. In advance, a team critically examined which furniture could be reused, for example, all white bookcases were taken from the old library. In collaboration with interior architect Rene Mensink, Redie was able to fill the assignment with the interior. Martijn Beekman has taken beautiful photos of this special library.