Name of the Library: Camp de l’Arpa-Caterina Albert
Parent Organisation: Biblioteques de Barcelona
Street Address: Indústria, 295
Postal Address: Indústria, 295 08026 Barcelona
Telephone : +34 934508646
Web Address: http://www.bcn.cat/bibcampdelarpa
Library Email: b.barcelona.ca@diba.cat
Type of Library: Medium size town library
Population served: 70,072
Project Type: Refurbishment
Size (square metres): 2,489 m2
Date of Completion: 2012
Architect: Núria Oliveras, Jordi Oliveras, Elian Peña (Oliveras Boix Arquitects)
Description
The library Camp de l’Arpa – Caterina Albert is part of Biblioteques de Barcelona (Barcelona Libraries), the entity that manages the network of 40 public libraries in the city.
The library was named after the neighborhood where it is, Camp de l’Arpa, and the writer Caterina Albert (L’Escala, 1869-1966), better known under the pseudonym Victor Català. Located to the north of the District of St. Martí, is a cultural and proximity center to the neighbors of the Camp de l’Arpa, Clot, Navas and southern Guinardó. The library, located in the former textile factory Bonaventura Costa i Font opened in December 2012. The refurbishment is made by Oliveras Boix Architects. It occupies 2,489 m2 spread over three floors organized flexibly and functional.
The library collection encompasses more than 44,000 documents, on different supports and in different fields, which is increased each month by new acquisitions. A selection of newspapers and magazines is also available.
The Camp de l’Arpa – Caterina Albert library organises a wide range of different activities for all: book clubs, storytelling, seminars, children’s workshops… These activities, which are aimed at transmitting the pleasure of reading and encouraging users to discover new authors and learn more about current issues, are always linked to the library collections.
The programme Molt per aprendre (“Lots to Learn”) includes two seasons: Creacions (workshops devoted to writing, oral and visual arts) and the Aula Digital (introductory activities to computers, photography, self-access language learning, freeware and creating blogs).
The library is also a member of the Antenes Cibernàrium network of technology training points. Finally, the library also supports the education community by welcoming schools visits and providing facilities and services.
Awards, case studies, further information
2012 Basf Architecture Award
1001 Libraries to see before you die 