1. Serving as the main branch and system headquarters, the Central Library of the Austin Public Library, TX, features a grand, light-filled reading room among the amenities in this $127.2 million, 213,000-plus square foot edifice.

CREDITS: Lake l Flato and Shepley Bulfinch Architects, architects; Patrick Y. Wong, photo.

2. A “lantern of learning” is how the Learning Resource Center, Suffolk Community College, Brentwood, NY, has been described. It lights up the interior during the day and serves as a nighttime beacon across the campus. A portion of the second floor takes in a green roof garden reading and study space.

CREDITS: ikon.5 architects, architect; Jeffrey Totaro, photo.