Inga Lunden

Inga Lunden City Librarian, Stockholm, and Director of Stockholm Public Library talked about creating public paradise (an effective library) in the connected age. Inga talked of libraries being you find thing you did not know you were looking for – the net library should be the same – you also meet people you did not know you were longing for – and you can mix in an actual space with people of all ages, culture…She also highlighted the need to have stories to tell about the library to funders and to people using the collections and services, of the need to deliver facts and figures as well as stories of today, yesterday and the future. The final decision about the new Stockholm Library will be made in November or December this year – the decision is not yet certain. In planning for a library service it is necessary to focus on people’s needs and dreams, developing products and services that people desire.

New city libraries are libraries planned for Oslo, Copenhagen, and Helsinki. The plans for the new central library in Stockholm show the discovery library, the secret garden, and the house of narration. The house of narration is story telling for all ages and culture. The discovery library is for all ages – where curiosity is celebrated. Inga talked of the possibility of whispering walls and talking floors. Connecting both hw discovery library and the house of narration would be an agora and secret garden – which would open when the trains are running (a new railway station in planned for this area).