Dutch public library School 7 voted world’s best new library
Public library School 7 in Den Helder has been given the Public Library of the Year award in the category best new library in an existing building, broadcaster NOS reports.
The prize was awarded at the annual conference of the International Federation of Library Associations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and the Den Helder library saw off competition from Brazil, the United States, Norway and Singapore in the final round. In total, 35 libraries from 19 countries applied for the prize.
The jury singled out the way the library cooperated with local partners and praised the architecture and layout of the building.
‘It’s a wonderful international recognition,’ NOS quotes School 7 director Anita Ruder as saying.
The building, a 100 year-old school in the centre of Den Helder, had stood empty for a long time and there were plans for it to be demolished until a local housing association decided to buy it and turn it into a library. School 7 was opened in 2016. The project is part of larger plan to revive the centre of Den Helder.
The prize of just over €4,000 will be used to buy children’s books and materials.
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