Peckham Library, London

"If you think libraries are boring, you should see what they've got down in Peckham." Jonathan Glancey, The Guardian.

He's right, you know. Designed by architects Alsop and Stormer, the award-winning Peckham Library is a great example of community architecture. The 21st-century library has been built from modern materials in a design that reflects the different cultures of the local residents. Even if you're not big into books it's well worth a visit. 
    
Fast Facts

• This impressive structure is 5 storeys high and cost £5 million to build.
  
• Timber-clad pods form dramatic rooms to help with learning.
  
• The library holds 60,000 books, as well as music, 27 computer terminals, CD-Roms, internet access, a homework help club, GCSE manuals - and much more.
  
• It's such an impressive facility it attracts 40,000 visits per month!

Helping the local community
Peckham has one of the highest-density populations in the country, and the new library is part of the country's single largest regeneration programmes, giving local people the facilities they want and need. Apart from providing the social focus of the library, the project has also improved housing and provided central features that a community can share and enjoy.