Phive-Star: Parramatta Library shortlisted for International Award

Just weeks after the city received global recognition for its safe nightlife, Parramatta is in the running for another international award, with the PHIVE Parramatta Library one of four shortlisted candidates for Public Library of the Year.

The Parramatta library is competing against a number of other facilities including Public Library Janez Vajkard Valvasor in Slovenia, Gabriel García Márquez Library in Spain and Shanghai Library East in China. The winner, as judged by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (ILFA), will be announced at a ceremony to be held in the Netherlands in late August.

There are a number of judging criteria to be met, the most important being that the library is new, either built in a new structure or the reappropriation of existing buildings. Other criteria includes the functionality and originality of architecture, whether the facility makes a positive impact on local culture and IT innovation, and a focus on flexibility and sustainability.

The last Australian library to win the award was from Craigieburn, Victoria back in 2014.