Liyuan Library, 2012
Li Xiaodong Atelier
Jiaojiehe, China

[Ed. Note: Since we began the Night Owl's Libraries Around the World in 2021, people have asked me which one of the 86 libraries I have featured has been the most memorable for me. The Liyuan Library is close to the top of my list, memorable not only for its design but also for its community spirit. Ann Havemeyer, Director]

Deep in the heart of a valley on the outskirts of Beijing, a wooden library sits seemingly in the middle of nowhere. The Liyuan Library opened in May of 2012, in the hillside village of Jiaojiehe. Architect Li Xiaodong started working with the community before funding was in place in the hopes that a well-designed library would not only improve life in the village but also boost the local economy by attracting tourists to the scenic area.

The book sanctuary is surrounded by chestnut, walnut and peach trees whose branches were used to clad the building. Relating the design not only to the surroundings but also to the culture of the community, the architect chose this material after finding large amounts of locally sourced wooden sticks piled around each house in the village. The villagers gather these sticks all year to fuel their cooking stoves.

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