The word library derives from liber, the Latin for book. But the latest generation of libraries are positioning themselves as beautifully-designed cultural, social and civic hubs – with books thrown in. The contemporary libraries shown here are all part of a new movement around the world, where myriad diverse activities, from yoga to 3D printing, are housed in stunning library buildings from Copenhagen and Calgary to Christchurch and Chicago. At Oodi, Helsinki’s new central library, only a third of the space is given over to books. Oodi’s director Anna Maria Soininvaara says it aims “to reinvent the library for the population of Finland’s future needs, and to encourage social integration and education.” It is a response to Finland’s updated Public Libraries Act, which commits to promoting lifelong learning, active citizenship, democracy and freedom of expression. With its undulating roof and timber façade of Finnish spruce, Oodi sits on Kansalaistori square opposite Eduskuntatalo, Helsinki, the Finnish parliament building. The 17,250-sq-m structure designed by ALA Architects is positioned as a civic living room, complete with a cinema, a makerspace, recording studios, access to public services, exhibitions and community events, in addition to the books. The makerspace workshops on the second floor offer tools and new technologies such as 3D and vinyl printers, laser cutters, heat presses, sewing machines and equipment to digitally sculpt wood. Some of that space has been freed up by storing books in the basement, which are collected by book-sorting robots. (Credit: ALA Architects)