Malmö City Library, Malmo

Malmö City Library is a municipal public library. It first opened its doors on December 12, 1905, initially housed in Hotel Tunneln, with a modest collection of 3,096 books and periodicals. Since then, the library has undergone several transformations and relocations, evolving into a central cultural hub for the city.

In 1946, the library moved to a building known as "The Castle," situated at Regementsgatan. Originally designed for the Malmö Museum by architects John Smedberg and Fredrik Sundbärg, the structure draws inspiration from Danish and Southern Swedish Renaissance castles, giving it a unique architectural identity. This historical building still forms a key part of the library complex.

The present-day Malmö City Library consists of three interconnected buildings: "The Castle," "The Calendar of Light," and "The Cylinder." The Castle was restored and re-inaugurated on September 24, 1999. "The Calendar of Light," designed by renowned Danish architect Henning Larsen, was inaugurated earlier, on May 31, 1997. The two main buildings are joined by "The Cylinder," which serves as the entrance area and houses an information desk, a return desk, and a café.

The library’s design emphasizes interaction with nature and its surrounding urban landscape. The large glass windows and corridors connect the buildings seamlessly, creating an open, airy atmosphere that embraces natural light. The architectural concept integrates the library with the adjacent park, allowing the park’s sculptural trees and reflecting lake to enhance the interior environment. Inside, the use of daylight varies throughout the day, producing dynamic light effects that resonate with the seasons.

Malmö City Library offers an extensive collection of 550,000 media items, 10,000 DVDs, and 33,500 music CDs. In 2006, it became the first library in Sweden to lend video games, further cementing its role as a forward-thinking and inclusive institution. With its blend of historical charm and contemporary design, Malmö City Library stands as a testament to the city’s cultural vitality and commitment to public accessibility.