Call for IFLA/Baker & Taylor Public Library of the Year Award 2025
The “Public Library of the Year” award is presented by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), with the aim of honouring new public libraries.
Application
You can apply for the award from 18 March until 28 May 2025.
Assessment criteria
The following six criteria constitute the assessments performed by the international jury:
- Interaction with the surroundings and local culture: Including how the architecture reflects – or considers – the local culture of the community. How it provides visibility in the urban landscape and interaction with surrounding buildings and open spaces. Does the library serve as a driver of connections or movements in the local context? Can the library function as a “living room” for the community with access for all?
- Architectural quality: Including how each space of the library works in terms of functions and logistics. How is the architectural concept implemented and designed on different scales within the building? How does the architecture affect the library user experience?
- Flexibility: Including how the library spaces are designed and organized to inspire the users’ own activities and support new activities and synergy across various spaces of the building. Can the library spaces be easily modified and used for various functions and activities? For example, does the library include special areas such as makerspace facilities for workshops, a stage or study facilities? How are these used?
- Sustainability: Including how sustainability principles have been incorporated into the library design and operations, such as by reducing the quantities of resources used, using local materials in the construction process, using renewable energy resources, or minimizing ongoing operational costs etc.
- Learning & social connection: Including how the library offers a diversity of pathways to education and how the interior design supports the development of individual, social, cultural, and economic needs. How is the furniture and the programming of the interior design executed? How does the library appeal to different demographics, age groups and encourage various learning formats or co-creation? How does the learning spaces of the library interact with the rest of the building?
- Digitisation & technical solutions: Including how digital communication and the accessibility of the library content are integrated within the library space, using methods that include mobile technologies. How are design, aesthetics and interaction used as the basis for this digitisation? Has technology been used in any innovative and creative ways to create experiences for the library users within the building?
- How does the library reflect the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and IFLA’s Vision: Please add reference-specific SDGs where relevant.
See also questions and answers: Public Library of the Year Award FAQs