Shenzhen Library North has secured a spot as one of the top four finalists for the prestigious International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Public Library of the Year Award in 2024, the library announced on Sept. 11.

The exterior of the Shenzhen Library North. File Photos except otherwise stated

The IFLA, founded in 1927, is recognized as the most authoritative and influential international organization in the library field. The annual IFLA Public Library of the Year Award, initiated in 2014, acknowledges public libraries that have shown comprehensive achievements in various aspects such as innovative architectural design, digital and technological solutions, and promotion of local culture on a global scale.

This year, a total of 16 libraries from 10 different countries entered the competition, highlighting the international scope of the award. The finalists include Yellamundie Library and Gallery from Australia, Public Body Kaunas County Public Library from Lithuania, and Beijing Library from China, in addition to the Shenzhen Library North. These libraries were recognized for their outstanding architectural concepts, creative IT solutions, and emphasis on highlighting local culture, according to the jury.

To be eligible for the award, libraries must be newly constructed, significantly expanded, or repurposed in a way that transforms a non-library building into a library space. The Public Library of the Year award comes with a cash prize of US$5,000.

Jakob Lærkes, the chairman of the jury panel and head of libraries in the Municipality of Gladsaxe, Denmark, expressed excitement for the diverse nominees and the innovative approaches demonstrated by this year's finalists. He emphasized how each of the four nominated libraries represents a model for future libraries, responding to evolving user needs and sustainability considerations while creating inviting spaces for local communities.

"The Public Library of the Year award is all about dpaying tribute to role models, and each of the four nominated libraries stands out as libraries of the future," he said. "It is impressive to see the different take on how to respond to the changing needs of the user, sustainability as a more and more important factor, when we build new libraries as well as different takes on how to create welcoming reading and learning spaces for the local communities. The jury and I believe that each of the four nominated libraries are examples to follow.”

A concert is held at the lobby of the north division of Shenzhen Library in Longhua District.

The jury lauded Shenzhen Library North as a cutting-edge hub for literature and reading, situated adjacent to the newly unveiled Shenzhen Art Museum, forming a cultural landmark in the city. Its architecture features a simple yet dynamic facade that allows natural light to permeate the building, creating a welcoming atmosphere day and night. The library boasts the largest intelligent book storage system in China, capable of managing up to 4 million physical books, with a unique delivery service ensuring quick access to requested books.

A general view of the first five floors of the library.

"The Shenzhen Library North stands out as a state-of-the-art temple for books and reading," the jury said in a statement. "The facade of the building appears simple yet almost 3-dimensional, enabling daylight to flow into the building throughout the day, as well as lighting up the outside landscape at night. When you enter the library, you are welcomed by a six storey “Wall of Books” that surrounds the atrium, creating a stunning visual impact. Shenzhen Library North houses the largest intelligent book storage in all of China and perhaps the world."

Furthermore, the jury noticed that Shenzhen Library North holds a three-star green building certification for its sustainable practices and technological advancements. The library offers a variety of functional spaces, including multi-functional learning rooms, exhibition halls, digital laboratories, research rooms, and interactive areas, catering to the diverse needs of visitors, it said.

The award ceremony for the IFLA Public Library of the Year Award is scheduled for Oct. 7 at the IFLA Public Libraries Section Midterm Conference in Barcelona, Spain. The ceremony will be part of the broader International Library Meeting, taking place from Oct. 7 to 9.

Shenzhen Library North is not the first library in the city that has won international awards. Last year, Yantian Library beat more than 100 competitors around the world to become one of the 10 winners of the IFLA’s International Marketing Award.