LISNews: Librarian News

David Adjaye has won a competition to design two libraries in the heart of Washington DC. His practice was chosen ahead of 17 rivals to design modern replacements for the Washington Highlands library and Francis A Gregory library in the US capital. Each library will have a budget of approximately $9.5m (£5.3m)

The Tanzanian-born designer's concept was modeled after libraries built in the UK, called "Idea Stores", built in what is considered rough neighborhoods. They have a "retail look" to them, and from the outside, they look like they should be selling iPods or designer shoes, rather than housing books, short-term day care, aerobics facilities and Internet access. DC Library Director Ginnie Cooper thinks they will be successful in the Nation's Capital as well. Reports from Buildings UK and The Washington Post.