How can the public library fulfill its classic social mission in our individualized and sometimes fragmented society? And how does such a library fit into the urban public space, where it seems to be all about commerce and consumption? It requires innovative architecture, imagination, and a willingness to think counter-cyclically.

In Imagination and Participation, librarians Rob Bruijnzeels and Joyce Sternheim explore the major transitions in public library work. They spoke with experts and top architects from the Netherlands and Flanders who have built public libraries both domestically and abroad. The conversations, along with the authors' own insights and experiences, have led to a new vision of contemporary library work, translated into principles for the future architecture of public libraries.

The book is also accompanied by a website for further exploration.