Marrickville Library has been nominated for the International Public Library of the Year Award 2021 – named in the top five finalists for the coveted award.
The International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) narrowed 32 libraries across the globe down to the five finalists in the quest for this year’s winner.
The final five competing against Marrickville Library are libraries from Norway, Belgium, China, and Holland.
Inner West Mayor, Darcy Byrne said international recognition was the icing on the cake for Marrickville Library, which has already won a plethora of national architecture, design and heritage awards in Australia.
“This nomination proves once again just how magnificent the new Marrickville Library is,” Mayor Byrne said.
“It also demonstrates that Marrickville and the People’s Public of the Inner West is firmly on the global map as a great cultural destination. Having been recognised in 2020 as being in the top 10 coolest neighbourhoods in the planet, Marrickville is going from strength to strength.
“This beautiful public facility is in fact more than a library, it’s a new town square for Marrickville which is helping to bring the whole community together.
“Marrickville Library is an inspiring space that has already gained national attention as one of the most stunning architecturally designed libraries in Australia having now won nine national architecture awards, three National Trust heritage awards and a NSW landscaping award.
“It has transformed Marrickville Road and is one of the biggest and best projects in Council’s history,” said Mayor Byrne.
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.
Nominated libraries are distinguished by their use of sustainable recycled materials, natural daylight incorporated into the buildings, and many other unique architectural details.
The award is presented every year to the world’s best newly built public library that combines functional architecture with creative IT solutions and includes digital development with local culture.
For more information on the award go to: The Public Library of the Year
For more information about Marrickville Library’s previous awards go to: New Marrickville Library
Systematic, a company that provides IT solutions for library and learning environments, is the main sponsor of the award. The winner will walk away with US$5,000 in prize money.
View images of the other nominated libraries for the Public Library of the Year Award 2021 here.
The award ceremony will be live-streamed on Thursday 19 August, where this year’s winner will be presented by IFLA president, Christine Mackenzie.
