In spring 2021, the authors of this article ran staff focus groups to explore stories about the impact of COVID-19 on the librarians who work at Malmö university library. In what way have their work tasks and the work situation changed during the COVID-19 pandemic? What have they learned from the experiences and what do they want to develop after the pandemic? Three strong themes emerged: the digital shift, remote working and the library as place. The findings were that the pandemic has created a reality of remote working and learning in higher education. In designing the future library we need to capitalise on the gains of the digitalisation as well as address the potential issues, including loneliness, isolation and motivation.