Levinski Library

The Levinski Library project, created by the Yoav Meiri Architects architectural studio in Tel Aviv, is a remarkable initiative that aims to provide a haven for refugees and migrant workers. Established in 2010, this social-artistic urban community project recognizes the importance of access to books as a fundamental human right. It believes that books not only offer an escape from the challenges of daily life but also provide a shelter of knowledge and inspiration.

Located in the heart of Levinski Park, near the Tel Aviv central bus station, the library was designed to be easily accessible to migrant workers who often gather in the park during their free time. It was crucial for the project's creators that the library be a welcoming space, free from fear and discrimination. Therefore, the library has no walls or doors, allowing anyone to enter without restrictions or scrutiny.

The library consists of two bookcases supported by the walls of a public shelter within the park. The taller bookcase holds books for adult readers and is transparent and illuminated from within. This unique design feature allows the books to glow in the park, creating an enchanting display at night. Opposite the adult bookcase is a shorter cabinet designed at children's height. The doors of this cabinet can be swung down to create a comfortable seating area for children to review and enjoy the books.

In addition to its innovative architectural design, the Levinski Library is also remarkable for its diverse collection of books. With approximately 3,500 books in various languages, including Mandarin Chinese, Amharic, Thai, Tagalog, Arabic, French, Spanish, Nepalese, Bengali, Hindi, Turkish, Romanian, and English, the library caters to the multicultural community it serves. Furthermore, the children's cabinet also offers books in Hebrew, ensuring that children of all backgrounds can benefit from the joy of reading.

What sets this library apart from others is its unconventional method of organizing books. Instead of following traditional cataloging systems based on genre or author names, the books are sorted based on the emotions they evoke. This unique approach reflects the spirit of the library, emphasizing that it is a small and parallel world where books, like their readers, have wandered and carry their emotional history. The placement of a book is determined not by popular vote but by the last reader, giving each book a subjective and personal touch.

The Levinski Library project is a shining example of how art and architecture can be used to create inclusive spaces that promote the importance of reading and cultural exchange. By breaking down barriers and providing a sanctuary of knowledge, this library not only enriches the lives of refugees and migrant workers but also highlights the universal human right to access books. It stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives that foster understanding and empathy in our increasingly diverse world.

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