BiblioCon 2026 - library of the future

Analog meets algorithm

The children’s library in the digital age

At BiblioCon, Schulz Speyer Bibliothekstechnik brought this concept to life with a booth design inspired by the modern children's library.

At the heart of the exhibition area stood a custom-designed, biophilic tree. This tree was more than just a visual landmark; it became a symbol of growth, curiosity, and community. Around it, various library activities unfolded: discovery, reading, play, exploration, and interaction.

Visitors could experience the new Kaja browser, designed to make it inviting and easy for children of all ages to explore the materials. A creative shelving unit demonstrated how gaming can be integrated into modern libraries without sacrificing the warm atmosphere of the physical space. Tables and chairs provided a setting for learning, dialogue, and informal gatherings, while the new Maggie display and storage module offered a practical, visual solution for showcasing magazines - transforming the wall into an active part of the experience. Together, these elements illustrate how children's libraries can become vibrant environments where analog and digital experiences blend naturally.

The physical library is still essential

At this year’s BiblioCon in Berlin, Schulz Speyer Bibliothekstechnik demonstrated how library spaces can bridge the gap between human experiences and digital intelligence.

Under the theme "Analog meets Algorithm," the 114th edition of BiblioCon focused on the interplay between tradition and technology. For libraries, this question is more relevant than ever:

How can physical spaces remain meaningful, inspiring, and human-centric in a world increasingly shaped by digital systems and artificial intelligence?

For Schulz Speyer Bibliothekstechnik, the answer lies not in choosing between the analog and the digital, but in creating environments where both can coexist, support one another, and foster new forms of library experiences.

Human Intelligence-centred design

The debate surrounding algorithms often centers on efficiency, automation, and rapid access to information. Yet, libraries have never been solely about information. They are places where people orient themselves, make discoveries, meet others, and participate in communities.

As digital tools become more intelligent, the physical library takes on renewed significance. It offers something technology cannot fully replace: atmosphere, a sense of presence, community, and the potential for unexpected discoveries. This presents a new design challenge for libraries:

How do we create spaces where technology enriches human experiences rather than replacing them?

Future library design must support a wide range of ways to engage with knowledge. It must accommodate both quiet contemplation and active collaboration, analog reading and digital exploration, individual learning and shared experiences. This way, the library becomes a bridge: between books and screens, between contemplation and interaction, between tradition and change.

60/30 Classic Wall Display examples - gaming, chatboard, newspaper and magazine

New, flexible library solutions

We recently launched a range of new products, which we also showcased at BiblioCon.

60/30 Classic Wall Display and Gaming Wall combine elegance with practical functionality. Designed as an enclosed wooden frame mounted on steel wall rails, the solution offers a sleek, modern setup for displaying books and magazines, as well as integrating gaming areas and special collections.

Vita book displays are inspired by the wonders of nature. Featuring 10 ocean-themed and 11 forest-themed figures, the series offers a wealth of interchangeable elements – such as trees, owls, mushrooms, corals, seashells, and starfish. They are ideal for highlighting nature in children's libraries or emphasizing themes like sustainability, non-fiction, and biodiversity all over the library.

Maggie display and storage unit is a wall-mounted design for libraries, schools and public spaces, that require a way to display and store brochures, magazines and catalogues. It keeps materials organized while ensuring they remain easily accessible.

60/30 Classic Wall Display

Vita book display in ocean theme

Maggie display and storage unit

The library: a place of community

BiblioCon 2026 confirmed what we were already convinced of: as technology evolves, the value of physical library spaces grows. Libraries remain unique places where knowledge, community, and human interaction come together. We would like to thank all the visitors for the inspiring conversations and the valuable exchange of ideas.

The many discussions at our stand reinforced a shared vision of the library as a place where analog and digital experiences go hand in hand, creating meaningful moments for people of all ages.

“Our vision is to create the library of the future – today. By actively participating in the global forum at BiblioCon, we have strengthened our ambition to push the boundaries of library design and contribute to positive development within the sector. Drawing on biophilic design and the concept of bringing nature indoors, we create environments that foster calm, well-being, and a sense of harmony.”

- Ingo Meinert, CEO Schulz Speyer Bibliothekstechnik AG