I have always had a special fondness for libraries, so much so that securing a library card was literally (pun very much intended) the first thing I did after being officially registered as a Swedish resident. Malmö has a fantastic library system for a city its size, and one of my favourites is the Malmö University Library in the Orkanen building. Although primarily aimed at students and faculty, it’s open to the public and an inspiring place to hang out, especially on a wet or wintry day.

“Orkanen” translates directly to “the hurricane” and the striking green-tinted structure that runs 150 metres quayside along Malmö’s inner harbour is actually, upon closer inspection, six separate buildings that are connected to each other around five courtyards, some of which are open to the outdoors while others are enclosed. Designed for multiple uses and completed in 2005, Orkanen also houses the Faculty of Education and Society and a number of other university facilities, including various-sized classrooms and meeting rooms, a café, two large lecture halls and a gymnasium.

The Orkanen library occupies the entire top floor, so in addition to all manner of books, magazines and multimedia material, it offers really impressive views of the city. Like most modern libraries, it provides a variety of study environments, with spaces for working alone in silence or in small groups for discussions. There’s also a gallery for student art as well as a research gallery highlighting the latest academic work from faculty. Stop by and learn something!