Stockholm City Library at Odenplan is closing its doors for the next three years. Hundreds of thousands of books are being packed into boxes during an extensive renovation.
The library, designed by Gunnar Asplund and inaugurated in 1928, has been classified as a listed building since 2017. The renovation of the library has been a long-drawn-out process. But now, the awaited and extensive renovation of the house is beginning, reports SVT.
It's very special, we've never done a renovation on that scale before. But we'll manage it, says Katja Gren, deputy unit manager at the City Library to SVT.
345,000 books are being packed into boxes, and some of them will be moved to a replacement location next to the library. A number of unique titles will be available for loan reservations, but most of the books will be packed away for three years.
The renovation consists mainly of fundamental work, including the replacement of pipes, electrical wiring, and data cables. Overall, the library will be preserved as it is. The new feature is that the children's library will become larger.
The economic framework for the renovation has been confidential due to procurement reasons. However, the fact that the project will be presented to the municipal council this autumn means that the sum exceeds 300 million kronor, according to SVT.
Stockholm City Library is expected to reopen in the autumn of 2027.
