BBC Radio 4

We measure the value of a civilised society by the number of libraries it opens, not the number it closes down. Phillip Pullman

Just as the news for libraries never seemed worse - with a shortage of users, imminent closures and cuts to funding - a new breed of libraries, in Britain and abroad and designed by architects for the 21st century, is rising from the ashes. This programme, presented by Jonathan Glancey, looks at the ways in which the design and function of the library is being re-invented in the USA, Europe and the UK. The programme visits Seattle, Delft , Stuttgart and the huge emerging new library in Birmingham, due for completion next year.