Are you looking for the best private or public libraries with outstanding websites you can use as inspiration to design your own? You are reading the right article.
Creating an online library with visually stunning web designs is not as difficult as it sounds. You can hire a professional web designer or agency to design your website. However, the cost of hiring can be expensive depending on your budget.
A better alternative is to use the best website builders like Wix and Squarespace which offer state-of-the-art website-building tools and library-based templates. These site builders help you design a stunning library website with a clean layout that will wow your visitors.
This article covers the 21 best library sites and book clubs you can use as inspiration when building your library website.
Let’s get started.
1. Bayport Public Library
Made with Webflow
Bayport Public Library is an accessible physical library that offers rich resources to existing and potential visitors.
I like how this digital library features an advanced search function that makes it seamless for visitors to explore the extensive collection of digital and physical materials.
This awe-inspiring library has a clean and modern design which makes the process of exploring every digital content and other features worthwhile.
The hero section features vital information such as event listings, accessibility hours, and high-quality images that help to describe its services.
2. Greenwich Library
The Greenwich Library system consists of the Main Library and Byram Shubert and Cos Cob branches.
This beautiful library website has a user-friendly web design featuring numerous resources that visitors can explore and use to increase their knowledge bank.
You can use the white-colored sticky navigation bar to access multiple pages and the site’s user-friendly features.
As you scroll further, you will see multiple high-quality images with thumbnail features that connect the homepage to other resource pages.
3. Library of America
Library of America publishes America’s greatest writing in authoritative new editions and provides resources for readers to explore this rich and living legacy.
This visually appealing library website doubles as an online store where visitors have open access to various materials that promote lifelong learning.
I like how the website displays an ample use of white space which helps to amplify the site’s color contrast and makes all the elements visible.
The black-colored site footer features vital elements that promote further exploration such as social media icons, contact links, and a location address.
4. Henrietta Public Library
Made with Wix
Henrietta Public Library has amassed a collection of local history materials relating to Henrietta. This library site uses a clean layout to showcase eye-catching images with buttons that help visitors find resources on building careers, parenting, cooking, decorating, and crafting.
I love the use of a simple design to create a unique and sophisticated outlook with a touch of purple, green, blue, and orange. Visitors can click and follow the library's social media platforms displayed on the white-colored footer for more content.
5. Hinsdale Library
The Hinsdale Library Association was incorporated in 1887 and had 150 paying members and 150 volumes. The first catchy element on this library web page is a moving text feature that describes the liberty’s functionality and opening time.
I like how the upcoming events section uses a slider format to structure its content and encourage visitors to click the brink pink colored “Details” CTA button.
As you explore the site content, you will see the bio section that features information and images of the library’s team members.
6. New York Public Library
The New York Public Library has provided essential access to books and information for more than a century.
The first catchy element on this library’s web page is a banner displaying multiple books across various genres to pique the interest of visitors on arrival. I like how the site uses a three-column layout in the “Discover” section to properly arrange the site content.
My favorite aspect of this webpage is the combination and mixture of flashy and colorful elements which give the page a fun and lively outlook.
7. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is a destination space for information, technology, community building, social connection, and fun.
The first catchy element on the web page is a stunning image of young students studying in the library with the caption “Check Out Our Winter Programs.”
Interested visitors can click the orange-colored sticky widget which encourages community engagement for easy access to the library’s customer services center.
The webpage has a colorful outlook featuring eye-catching colors that make it stand out from other sites like medium orchid, neon carrot, mercury, white, and black.
8. Acorn Public Library District
Acorn Public Library District provides books and eBooks, programming, movies, music, electronic research tools, and computer access to the public.
This great library website has a minimalistic outlook and simple design with various colorful elements that make its content and projects visually appealing to site visitors.
You can use the search bar at the right side of the pages to seamlessly locate various items on the webpage. Among the various tools on this webpage, the drop-down navigation bar stands out and makes navigating the page fun and engaging.
9. Fountaindale Public Library
Fountaindale Public Library was founded in 1967 when the communities of Bolingbrook and Romeoville were in the early stages of growth.
The first catchy element on this website is a high-resolution image of the library’s building and multiple descriptive icons that offer web accessibility.
As you scroll further, you will see an automated slider featuring multiple graphics designs that display content about the present and upcoming events.
The use of a slider effect in the new arrival section where users can explore various movies makes the page lively and engaging.
10. Chicago Public Library
Chicago Public Library was founded in 1986 by visionary civic leaders who shared a conviction that private resources are essential in building a strong society.
The first useful tool visitors can use to explore this vibrant community site’s contents without stress is the search function on the mega menu bar.
I like how this library website’s white background makes all the highlight contents visually appealing to visitors and other categories of people who use its content.
This great library website contains multiple high-quality images in various angles of the page which helps to give the webpage a fun and interactive vibe.
11. Penn Libraries
The Penn Libraries provides a network of information resources and knowledge services that are vital to teaching, research, and learning at the University of Pennsylvania.
The site’s drop-down menu is your one-stop shop for exploring various aspects of the page and checking specific content.
I like how the hero section features a split page displaying texts about the library and a high-quality image displaying the library's environment.
The featured collection section uses a double-column layout to display the site content with high-quality images that have thumbnail features for further exploration.
12. Westerville Public Library
Westerville Public Library is open freely for new parents, students, young professionals, teachers, and homeschoolers to use
This beautiful library website doubles as an online learning and entertainment platform that gives visitors open access to an extensive collection of books, movies, and music.
The two-layer header navigation bar features vital links to multiple pages and a search icon to single out items. Users can click the green CTA link to access their online profile.
I love how this awesome library website features a modern design by displaying content in column layout and slider format.
13. Villa Park Public Library
The Villa Park Public Library offers individual library books and other events and programs. Welcoming visitors to this library website is multiple slider images displaying library event listings.
Potential visitors can click the White and blue CTA button to access various information and links to job applications. Visitors use the advanced search function on the white menu bar to select items in the catalog and website.
This beautiful library site has a Google Maps feature embedded in the ash-colored footer which serves as a guide for easy access to the library location.
14. Orange City Public Library
The Orange City Public Library enriches a vibrant community by providing a comfortable space for people to discover their roots. The blue, orange, and white color scheme gives a sharp and attractive welcoming outlook that can compel users to register and join the community.
I like the use of four sliders displaying the library's upcoming events. Visitors can click the White-transparent button to view the calendar and follow the programs as scheduled.
This library website uses a clean and modern design like the search feature for quick sources of items. You can’t miss the two-layer navigation header that gives visitors easy access to the entire site.
15. Burlington County Library
Burlington County Library System enriches lives by providing opportunities for learning, growth, and personal development. I like how the other features of this website appear beautiful with the use of white space.
This visually stunning library website offers numerous resources on library collocation through reading, listening, and watching. Users can click on the pink column on the homepage to get a library card for full access to these benefits.
The White ash-colored footer features the site logo, social media platforms, and contact links visitors can use to get quick access and updates on the Burlington County Library.
16. Reading Public Library
Reading Public Library serves for Reading community engagement. I like how this public library site uses a three-colored column design layout to display upcoming events, online resources, and museum passes.
This library site provides user-friendly features like the white pinned language option for visitors to choose their preferred language. There is a transparent sticky back-to-top button for easy navigation to the homepage.
17. The Brookline Public Library
The Brookline Public Library promotes discovery, connection, and opportunity for all residents through diverse resources and innovation programs.
Beneath the homepage is the upcoming event section displaying images and short descriptions with a thumbnail effect that provides access to another page with full details.
My favorite section is the featured books section which showcases books in a slider format with the option of choosing a preferred language and form of download.
Visitors can use the blue and white sticky chat button to send a direct message to the library. The blue footer contains a physical address for visitors who want to pick up a book.
18. Gates Public Library
The Gates Public Library is a dynamic gathering place of discovery for the community. This great library website welcomes visitors with a stunning background image of the library.
Potential visitors can use the navigation bar with a drop-down feature to access various aspects of the website for digital content.
The latest news section displays high-quality images with visually appealing and engaging content. Visitors can click the yellow and pink CTA buttons to support the library for further development.
19. Watertown Library
Watertown Free Public Library has been community-based from its earliest days. This awesome library website delivers content in a column layout with blue CTA buttons that transport visitors to a new page.
Common to other library websites is the mega two-layer navigation header with a drop-down effect. There is a noticeable logo and a search feature to help visitors streamline desired collections.
Visitors can connect with Watertown Free Public Library on social media by clicking the blue button “Social pages” or clicking the links on the blue-colored footer.
20. Clinton-Macomb Public Library
Clinton-Macomb Public Library is valued as an essential community service by focusing on the growth of readers, advancing student success, and connecting the community.
The hero section of this library website features a beautiful background image and a green three-column compelling CTA button to access library materials.
Beneath the homepage is a slide showcase of the library's new books, movies, and music for visitors to choose from the staff's hand-picked collection.
Visitors can explore content on the physical material by visiting the locations. Interested visitors can click on the green button to use the location map.
21. Christchurch City Libraries
Christchurch City Libraries actively practices biculturalism, supports diversity, and aims to represent all our Christchurch in the communities. I like how this top library website uses a five-column layout with a slider effect to display new books’ arrival.
The search function on the two-layer navigation header makes it easy for visitors to manage their time effectively by helping streamline materials from any category.
On the “eResources” section, visitors can craft and create projects using Creativebug software. Visitors can click the basketball orange-colored CTA button to join the library and enjoy access to collections.
Best Library Websites FAQs
How Do I Build a Library Website?
Building a library website involves adding what services you have available, including links to further resources or your library management system, providing help and general library information, and adding reliable contact pages, information request forms and opening hours, direct links to popular titles, journals from your library management system.
What are the Best Website Builders for Libraries?
The best library website builders are Wix and Squarespace. These website builders are embedded with top-notch website-building tools and software that make the process of creating an outstanding library website seamless. These website builders come with custom library website templates that you can use to create your own website.
What are the Best Library Websites
Here is a list of the top library websites you will find on the internet: Los Angeles County Library, George W. Bush Library, Orange County Library, Bridwell Library, Bedford Public Library, Toronto Public Library, Kalamazoo Public Library, Seattle Public Library, Houston Public Library, Durham County Library, Boston Public Library, and California State Library.
