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recently, the international federation of library associations and institutions (ifla) announced the shortlist for the 2024 public library award. beijing city library stood out from 16 libraries from 10 countries around the world and was shortlisted for the top four.

founded in 1927, ifla (international federation of library associations and institutions) is the most authoritative and influential professional international organization in the world library community. the ifla public library of the year award was established in 2014 to recognize the public libraries newly built and opened around the world that have made comprehensive achievements in terms of architectural creativity, digital and technological solutions, and the promotion of local culture.

regarding the beijing city library, the jury said: "it is truly a sight to behold and awe-inspiring. the library building is impressive and spectacular, revealing a modern center for learning, knowledge sharing, social interaction, and community engagement. the interior design upholds this concept, integrating multiple functional areas such as conferences, exhibitions, performances, and ancient book restoration. upon entering the library, visitors will be in the world's largest temperature-controlled reading space, which creates a unique reading experience by connecting books, people, and nature. the lobby, surrounded by curved stepped terraces, seems to reproduce the topography of the nearby tonghui river, presenting sculpted hills and valleys. these terraces provide an informal area for relaxing, talking, or reading, while maintaining a connection to the entire space. the library uses technology to minimize the building's carbon footprint, including the use of modular components and a rationalized structural grid to reduce manufacturing waste. the columns supporting the spectacular sky-like roof are also equipped with climate control technology, including lighting, acoustic control, and rainwater collection systems."

beijing city library has not only received praise from the jury, but also from readers. in the eight months since the library opened, the number of visitors has exceeded 2.79 million, including 20,000 foreign readers. the average stay time of readers is 2.5 hours, and about 10% of readers stay for more than 6.5 hours. 841 online and offline reading promotion activities have been held, with more than 12.14 million participants.

it is also understood that the evaluation of the ifla annual public library award focuses on six aspects: "integration with the surrounding environment and local culture", "architectural quality", "spatial design flexibility", "sustainability", "learning space" and "digitalization". the award will be officially announced at the international library conference held in barcelona, ​​spain from october 6 to 9 this year.

text/beijing youth daily reporter zhang enjie

editor/gong lifang