Beijing Library won the IFLA/Baker & Taylor Public Library of the Year Award 2024 presented by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) in Barcelona, Spain on October 7, 2024 (local time).

This marks the first time that China claims the world’s highest honor for public libraries.

Founded in 1927, IFLA is the most respected and influential international professional organization in the library sector. Its annual award aims to honor newly built and opened public libraries worldwide that demonstrate excellence across diverse aspects such as functional creativity, digital and technological solutions and contribution to local culture.

On the award night of October 7, IFLA Jury Chair Jakob Guillois Lærkes highly praised the Beijing Library:

Beijing Library stands out as a vibrant and inviting book heaven with so many things to offer, as well as impressive design and sustainable solutions within the building. It really stands out as a great example of a library for the future.

According to the IFLA jury, as the world’s largest single-building reading space, Beijing Library impressively connects books, people and nature through its unique architectural design.

To enhance energy efficiency and environmental protection, the library incorporates technologies to minimize its carbon footprint, including using modular components and well-designed grid structure to reduce manufacturing waste. Furthermore, the jury were particularly impressed by the climate control system on its roof, including lighting, acoustics control and rainwater collection.

In addition, the library advances its green goals by promoting green office practices as well as sharing and circular economy, thus obtaining the three-star Green Building Evaluation Label (GBEL) from the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development.

Since opening over nine months ago, Beijing Library has welcomed over 3.25 million visits. On average, readers spend 2.5 hours in the library, with about 10% staying for over 6.5 hours. Besides, the library has hosted 1,123 online and offline reading promotion activities, attracting over 12.22 million participants.

For more information about the splendid activities hosted by Beijing Library, please follow the links below.

Revisiting Beijing 15 Years Later, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon Explores Sci-tech Innovation

Officials from Beijing’s Sister Cities Highly Praise the Capital’s Development in the New Era

“Foreign Diplomats Experiencing Beijing” – A Special Promotion of the BMC

(Edited according to the WeChat Official Account “bjtzfb” and other relevant information.)