We caught the metro to the stop closest to the library, and were surprised to find that it was a rather neglected area of the city - what looked like a gang of beggars near the metro entrance (more than usual!) and run down fountain and park areas outside the library.
Inside - the building is certainly spectacular....
Great views from each level, and lots of nooks and crannies
But... the books and furniture are all really old and unappealing.
There were quite a few people using the library, and they had tried to create an inviting children's library.
We left feeling more than a little disappointed as it didn't feel like a vibrant library.
A library service needs great building and spaces, but the building doesn't make the library service great.
We did not have any other libraries marked out to visit in our few days in Stockholm, but we found another library close to our apartment and decided to call in there to see if all libraries in Stockholm were alike.
Well what a difference... Luma Bibliotek was everything that we were looking for.
It was a small library in a new waterfront residential redevelopment based around the old Luma light factory. It had great kid's areas, craft/art room, story room -"Sagorum". Also had some spaces for adults to read or study.
The staff there told us that it was well used particularly by the children, but there had been some dissatisfaction from older residents who found it a bit too noisy.
And a nice little touch.... Parent and child toilet with their own access!
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