Whether you're in the dreaming and planning stages or further along the design road, you'll find ideas, information, and inspiration, no matter what your budget allows!   

Hosted by Library Journal in partnership with the Winter Park Library, FL, this installment of our library building and design event will bring you the latest trends in library design. Dig deep with architects, librarians, and vendors to explore building/renovating/retrofitting spaces both large and small that will redefine the relationship with your users and engage your community.   

This full-day think tank provides expert panel discussions with architects and librarians, as well as hands-on, architect-led breakout sessions dealing with real-life design challenges submitted in advance by you and your fellow attendees.   

Winter Park Library offers the perfect setting for considering the possibilities. What began in 1885 as a small collection of books on a founder’s front porch grew into a dedicated library space in 1902—despite early critiques about the lack of indoor plumbing and temperature regulation. Since then, the library has continually evolved, reimagining how a modern library can serve as a dynamic community resource. In 2016, a successful bond referendum funded the current state-of-the-art campus, the Winter Park Library and Events Center, which opened in 2021. 

Designed by Adjaye Associates with Architect of Record HuntonBrady Architects, the library features an indoor auditorium, collaborative and private workspaces, an entrepreneurship center, social spaces, a computer lab, the "Dream Room Lab" makerspace, and a video and audio production studio. The events center further enhances the space with an outdoor amphitheater, rooftop venues, and a grand ballroom offering sweeping views of the lakeside park. 

Does your library have a design problem or project you'd like to tackle head on with an architect? Submit your project here by April 1st and receive free registration.  

This event is open to librarians, library board or foundation members, and the library’s city planners/officials. If you are an architect or vendor and would like to sponsor one of our 2025 Design Institute events, please contact Advertising Director Roy Futterman: rfutterman@mediasourceinc.com 

By registering for this event, you are agreeing that Library Journal/School Library Journal may share your registration information with sponsors currently shown and future sponsors of this event. Click here to review our full Privacy Policy. 

Click here to see the 2025 Design Institute cancellation policy. 

Wednesday May 7:

Area Library Tours | Afternoon, including tour of Winter Park Library campus                            

Thursday, May 8:

Design Institute Full Day Session

Our program is currently in development. Stay tuned for updates!