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A NEXT LIBRARY® event is an international gathering of forward-thinking library professionals, innovators, and decision-makers who are pushing boundaries and making changes that support learning in the 21st century.

Next Library was created by Aarhus Public Libraries in Denmark. The purpose of a Next Library event is to look ahead and explore the ever-evolving nature of the public library in the 21st century. The aim of Next Library events is to involve attendees as much as possible in creating the ideas, topics, and formats in order to ensure the relevance and opportunities for networking and learning for the attendees from libraries all over the world.
Next Library Satellites are Next Library events outside of Aarhus, Denmark.Past events have taken place in Chicago (2014) and Berlin (2018). In May 2026, the next Satellite will be hosted in Seoul, South Korea by SeeArt Foundation.
Since first participating in Next Library in 2023, SeeArt has maintained close relationships with the library innovators we met in Aarhus. SeeArt hosts Next Library Satellite Seoul in 2026 to introduce Next Library's unique vibes and spirit to Asia, and to discover and connect with those who share our vision.

Core Value

NETWORKING AND INVOLVEMENT
The aim of Next Library events is to involve attendees as much as possible in creating the ideas, topics and format in order to ensure the relevance and opportunities for networking and learning for the attendees from libraries all over the world.
WE CELEBRATE MISTAKES
We take risks when we organize new events and explore new ways of learning. And we learn from experiences.
NEW FORMATS
The format of Next Library is a “patchwork” of co-learning, co-creative, participatory, engaging, and interactive meetings, and lots of parallel sessions, great keynote speakers, wildcard sessions, demos/exhibitions, gaming, Get2Gether, Social un-conferences, Labs, and surprises.
DIVERSITY
Diversity, recognition, engagement, and network are key factors for the success of Next Library learning environments and communication.

SeeArt Foundation is a nonprofit foundation based in South Korea. SeeArt operates experimental libraries, collaborates with public libraries, partners with diverse professionals, and supports library innovators. Our goal is to establish libraries as public infrastructure that provides opportunities and environments for everyone to discover new possibilities, expand their horizons, and build their own narratives.

Cdot is a working community striving for a systemic transition toward a society for all. Founded in 2014 to promote social innovation and social economy across Asia, Cdot has created spaces for learning, exchange, and collaboration beyond borders. Today, it continues to expand the skills and practices of connection and cooperation, experimenting with new ways to catalyze inclusive and regenerative transitions. Through community building, research, forums, conferences, education, and workshops, Cdot explores how collective change can take root and grow.

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