ReThinking Libraries Blog
ReThinking Libraries would not be successful without the insights and innovations that librarians, library staff, community members, and our partners share with us on a regular basis. This is how we keep our finger on the pulse of the most important library issues out there—and even better—creative solutions for addressing them. We want to make these great ideas count so watch our ReThinking Libraries blog for inspirational stories and ideas.
Building a Library Designed for Families, Flexibility, and Community
When a growing community on the north side of New Hanover County, North Carolina, needed a library branch of its own, the challenge was about more than constructing a building. The New Hanover County Library System wanted a space that would serve a rapidly expanding population of families, respond to community needs, and make the most of a challenging site. To help bring that vision to life, ReThinking Libraries (RTL) partnered with Little Diversified Architectural Consulting to guide the planning and programming process for what would become the new Northchase Branch Library.
Beyond the Building: How Libraries Are Reimagining Outdoor Spaces
Libraries have always been gathering places, but increasingly, those gathering spaces extend beyond the walls of the building itself.
At the 2026 American Library Association Annual Conference in Chicago, ReThinking Libraries Principal Janet Nelson joined Sun Prairie Public Library Director Svetha Hetzler and landscape architect Garret Perry of design studio, etc. to explore how libraries are creating outdoor environments that support community connection, learning, programming, and wellness.