Liverpool’s Yellamundie Library Shines as Finalist in World Competition

Liverpool Council’s Yellamundie Library earned global recognition as one of four finalists in the prestigious IFLA/Baker & Taylor Public Library of the Year Award 2024. While the top prize was awarded to Shenzhen Library North in China, Yellamundie Library was acknowledged for its innovative design and its pivotal role in serving the diverse Liverpool community.

The award, which honours the world’s best new libraries, was announced in Barcelona, Spain, by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). The winning library, Shenzhen Library North, was praised for its modern, user-centred approach, designed to meet the evolving needs of its community with a focus on sustainability and inclusion.

Tina Bono, Director of Community and Lifestyle at Liverpool Council, expressed pride in Yellamundie Library’s achievement. “Being one of the top four finalists worldwide is a huge honour and a recognition of the work we’ve done to create a library that not only serves its functional purpose but also connects and inspires our diverse community,” Bono said. “Fjcstudio’s design reflects the growth, vibrancy, and cultural richness of Liverpool, and this recognition shows we are on the right track.”

The 2024 IFLA/Baker & Taylor Public Library of the Year Award Finalists

1. Shenzhen Library North (China) – Winner
   Shenzhen Library North was lauded for its striking design, community-centered spaces, and innovative use of technology to engage users. The library provides modern learning and reading environments, tailored to the rapidly growing city while focusing on sustainability and social inclusivity.
2. Yellamundie Library and Gallery (Liverpool, Australia)
   Recognized for its transformative impact on Western Sydney, Yellamundie Library is a welcoming hub for the Liverpool community, fostering education, cultural connection, and digital inclusion, while celebrating Liverpool’s diverse population. The library offers a range of services, including community language collections, a Disability Tech Access Room, and programs for all ages.
3. Public Body Kaunas County Public Library (Lithuania)
   This Lithuanian library was selected for its innovative services that cater to a wide variety of users, with a strong focus on creating inclusive and accessible spaces. Its efforts in integrating modern technology with traditional services have made it a standout in the region.
4. Beijing Library (China)
   Beijing Library was recognized for its large-scale operation, offering extensive resources and services to one of the world’s largest populations. The library’s design and services were developed to create spaces that support education, research, and community engagement in the capital city.

Jakob Lærkes, chairman of the IFLA jury, highlighted that all finalists set remarkable examples of what the future of libraries can be, focusing on sustainability, user experience, and creating inviting, community-centred spaces.

About Yellamundie Library

Yellamundie, meaning “storyteller” in the Darug language, stands as a key part of Liverpool’s community infrastructure. It is a place of connection, inclusion, and diversity, offering programs that cater to all ages and backgrounds, and reflecting the area’s multicultural richness. With a collection spanning over 150 cultures, Yellamundie is a library for everyone, providing digital and physical resources, as well as unique services such as a Disability Tech Access Room.

The library also hosts a variety of programs, including:

• Children’s activities: Storytime, Rhyme Time, Early Literacy programs, and school holiday events.
• Youth programs: STEM and robotics workshops, HSC exam preparation, and health and wellness initiatives.
• Adult events: Author talks, book clubs, and citizenship courses.
• Seniors’ initiatives: Technology training, language learning groups, and social engagement programs.

Although Yellamundie Library didn’t secure the top spot, its place among the world’s finest new libraries reinforces its crucial role in Liverpool’s continued growth and development.