Jubilee Library, Brighton

The Jubilee Library in Brighton is the central public library serving the city of Brighton and Hove. The Jubilee Library forms part of the Jubilee Square development in central Brighton. Since its opening in 2005, inaugurated by the Princess Royal and later visited by Queen Elizabeth II, the library has gained widespread recognition for its architectural excellence and significant impact on the community.

Before the construction of the Jubilee Library, Brighton lacked a dedicated central library, despite various attempts to establish one over the past century. The new library was the first completed component of the Jubilee Square project and replaced a temporary facility that had been in place since 1999, following the closure of the city’s century-old library. The Jubilee Library was completed on time and within budget, quickly becoming a vital hub for the community.

The library is not only celebrated for its design but also for its role in the community. It consolidates services that were previously spread across multiple locations, offering extensive IT facilities, a substantial collection of LGBT literature, and hosting a variety of social and community activities. The library has also commissioned several pieces of public art, enhancing its cultural significance.

Environmentally, the Jubilee Library is one of the most energy-efficient public buildings in England. Its innovative design reduces its carbon footprint to half that of a traditional public building of similar size, utilizing natural energy sources throughout. This commitment to sustainability has further elevated the library’s status as an exemplary public facility.

Due to its popularity, the Jubilee Library ranks among the busiest in England in terms of visitor numbers and loan statistics. It has been lauded as "a triumph" and "the most important public building constructed in Brighton since the Royal Pavilion," with some even crediting it as "the superhero that saved the city." The Jubilee Library stands as a testament to modern public architecture, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.