Kansas City Library Community Bookshelf, Public art installation at Central Library parking garage in Kansas City, US
The Community Bookshelf is a public art display on the south wall of the Central Library parking garage that looks like an enormous bookshelf. Real book spines appear as oversized architectural elements forming the visual effect of books standing upright on a shelf.
The installation was created after the Central Library moved to this location, using the parking structure as a canvas for public art. The project turned an ordinary garage wall into a statement about the importance of reading in the community.
The books shown were selected through community voting and represent works that matter to local readers. This turns the garage wall into a public statement about what people value reading.
The installation is easy to spot from the street and best viewed during daylight when the sun hits the south wall clearly. Access is free and possible any time, since it sits on the outside of the public library building.
The glass stairwells at each end of the display are shaped like giant bookends holding everything in place. This clever design detail makes the entire parking garage feel like part of one enormous library.
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