Award
Public Library of the Year
The "Public Library of the Year" award is presented by the IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations) with the aim of honouring new public libraries.
The award is presented to a library somewhere in the world that has best managed to combine open and functional architecture with creative IT solutions and has included both digital developments and local culture.
To be eligible for the award, the library must be newly built or located in buildings that have not previously been used as a library.
The award ceremony will take place at the IFLA's annual meeting, and with the award comes $ 5,000. Systematic is the proud main sponsor of the award.
To qualify in 2022, the library must be built and opened between January 1st 2021 and December 31st 2021 or located in a building not previously used as a library.
Award winners
What are the benefits that you, as a library, may gain from participating in the award? Perhaps your institution will receive attention and recognition both internationally and locally.
Get to know more about what the previous winners have gained from winning the Public Library of the Year award and thus the title of the world's best, new public library.
Winner 2021
Deichman Bjørvika, Norway
“After being named the Public Library of the Year 2021, we have received positive media coverage as well as increased public awareness and recognition of our new library. We see the award as a brilliant way to promote and acknowledge all the hard work that we have delivered in regard to creating one of the best libraries out there.”
Winner 2019
Oodi Helsinki Central Library, Finland
"Media coverage has made it clear to the public as well as various decision-makers how important a role libraries play in society. Helsinki residents, the mayor, and other public decision-makers are increasingly proud of their new library because of the award."
Winner 2018
School 7, Den Helder, Netherlands
"People from all over the world come to see School 7 with their own eyes. Winning the Public Library of the Year award was a wonderful recognition of our hard work, and it motivates us to continue on the long path. School 7 has become "the city's residence" with many activities dedicated to many different people. Both local and out-of-town visitors come to see School 7, which continues to happen, even months after receiving the award."
Winner 2016
Dokk1, Aarhus, Denmark
"In press releases, this award is often mentioned as a stamp of positivity. It was an important recognition that made both employees and citizens in Aarhus proud, and which has helped to put libraries on the agenda. There has been great national and international attention around Dokk1, and at the same time, it has been clear that the award was a strong contribution to the narrative of how libraries are developing positively."
Winner 2015
Kista Bibliotek, Stockholm, Sweden
"Since 2015, we have had 50,000 more visitors per year. We are still visited by students and companies who are interested in our library and who want more knowledge about how we work. After we won the Public Library of the Year award it became much easier for us to make new contacts and collaborations."
Winner 2014
Craigieburn Bibliotek, Hume City, Australia
"The award gives so much international recognition. Winning the opening award of the Public Library of the Year was an extraordinary experience for us at Hume Libraries. It gave us recognition and confirmed that our thoughts on modern public library design are in line with the international expectations in this field."
