Central Library in running for national award

The International Federation of Library Associations has selected the Central Library as a finalist for its annual Public Library of the Year award. The library opened in October 2017. There are five finalists for the award, chosen from a pool of 35 applicants. The Central Library is the only library in the U.S. on the list, which includes libraries in Brazil, the Netherlands, Norway and Singapore. “Austin has one of the greatest libraries in the world, as this nomination confirms,” said Mayor Steve Adler in a news release. “Our library stands as a testament to the great things we can accomplish together.” The IFLA noted the 200,000-square-foot library’s focus on sustainability and interior design and furniture. The winner will be announced on Aug. 28, at the annual meeting of the IFLA in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. “The Central Library is the crown jewel of not just the Austin Public Library system but the city as a whole,” said Austin Public Library Director Roosevelt Weeks. “I’m so proud of this nomination. It speaks to what an incredible place our Central Library is.”