THE GABRIEL GARCÍA MÁRQUEZ Library in Barcelona, Spain, was voted the best public library of the year on August 21st, during the 88th World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) that took place in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Along with the title, the library received a $5,000 prize (about 24,000 Brazilian reais).

Established in 2022, it is the third largest library in Barcelona, specializing in Latin American literature. According to the institution, the place was designed to be a center for local residents to interact, and includes socializing areas, children’s reading circles, cultural activities, and a community radio studio. The architecture of the building, with large windows and light colors, allows natural light to brighten much of the space, making reading more comfortable. There are self-service computers, as well as bean bags and hammocks for resting.

The Public Library of the Year Award is organized by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and sponsored by Systematic, a tech company. To qualify for the prize, the library (or a signifi cant portion of it) must have been recently built or installed in a building that was never used for this purpose. The jury takes into consideration criteria such as technological and sustainable development, architectural quality, and relevance to society.

Who was Gabriel García Márquez?

Gabriel García Márquez (1927-2014), the person the world’s best library in 2023 is named after, was a Colombian writer and journalist who was known worldwide for his work “One Hundred Years of Solitude.” He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his body of work in 1982.

Other award finalists

VALVASOR KRŠKO LIBRARY

Location: Krško, Slovenia.

Architecture: combines modern features and local traditional architecture. The building’s curves resemble the Sava, the local river.

Highlights: Includes sustainable solutions, such as near zero energy consumption. There is an outside pick-up and drop-off area that runs 24 hours a day.

PARRAMATTA LIBRARY

Location: Parramatta, metropolitan region of Sydney, Australia.

Architecture: Located in a modern cultural center, it features reddish structures and a curved roof inspired by local flowers.

Highlights: One of the country’s first zero-carbon emission buildings. The building emits minimal carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere for its operation, and the emitted amount is offset by sustainable investments.

SHANGHAI EAST LIBRARY

Location: Shanghai, China.

Architecture: The design is inspired by Taihu stones, traditional rock formations found in Chinese gardens.

Highlights: Features various artistic interventions created exclusively for the building. Over 80% of the building is dedicated to social and cultural activities, rather than book storage.

Sources: Gabriel García Márquez Library, IFLA, O Globo, Siseb and Systematic.

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