Helsinki’s Oodi Central Library only opened last December, but it’s already established itself as a firm favourite with local residents and architects alike.
Now the museum has been nominated as one of four finalists to be public library of the year by the International Federation of Library Associations IFLA.
A total of 16 libraries from around the world applied for the award, with Oodi making it to the shortlist along with new public libraries in Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands.
“Directly aligned with Finland’s Parliament, this house of the people bridges concepts of equality, participation, citizenship and sustainability” the judges wrote in their evaluation.
“Designed together with the city’s residents, with a focus on the needs of its future users, this project is one fot the ages” the judges add.
The IFLA Public Library of the Year award is an annual prize given to a public library that is either newly built, or set up in premises not previously used for library purposes.
The winner will be announced in Athens, Greece, in August and receives $5000 prize money.
