Liverpool Council’s new Yellamundie Library is one of four finalists in an international competition to name the best new library in the world.
Each year, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) makes the award, which will be announced in Barcelona, Spain, in October.
Director of Community and Lifestyle Tina Bono said the shortlisting was a tribute to the Council’s vision of creating a magnificent library that is both functional and aesthetically stunning.
“Yellamundie was one of 16 libraries from 10 nations to apply, and this has been whittled down to a shortlist of four,” she said. “The Council selected fjcstudio for its innovative approach. It is significant that the last Australian library to win this award (in 2014) was also designed by this studio.”
fjcstudio describes the library as “a transformative addition to Western Sydney, a region experiencing rapid growth and economic change. Designed to serve a highly diverse community facing socio-economic disparity, this contemporary facility serves as vital social infrastructure.”
Jakob Lærkes, chairman of the IFLA jury panel, said, “The Public Library of the Year award is all about paying tribute to role models, and each of the four nominated libraries stands out as libraries of the future. It is impressive to see the different approaches to responding to the changing needs of users, the increasing importance of sustainability in new library designs, and innovative ways to create welcoming reading and learning spaces for local communities.”
The finalists for the IFLA/Baker & Taylor Public Library of the Year Award 2024 are:
- Yellamundie Library and Gallery, Liverpool Civic Place, operated by Liverpool City Council (Australia)
- Shenzhen Library North (China)
- Public Body Kaunas County Public Library (Lithuania)
- Beijing Library (China)
Diversity and Social Infrastructure at Yellamundie Library
Yellamundie Library represents a transformative addition to Western Sydney, a region experiencing rapid growth and economic change. Designed to serve a highly diverse community facing socio-economic disparity, this contemporary facility acts as vital social infrastructure. Its sustainable design and connection to generous open spaces create a welcoming environment where the community is encouraged to engage in learning, self-improvement, technology access, cultural expression, and social gathering.
Yellamundie serves as a beacon within the community, promoting curiosity and participation through its visual connection to various spaces and activities. These include areas for storytelling, cultural celebrations, multilingual collections, youth and family activities, and local heritage research. Traditional library functions, such as focused learning in formal reading rooms, are complemented by future-oriented initiatives like the Create Space and technology programs that enhance digital literacy and innovation. The library’s role in supporting and elevating its population has had an immediate effect, including job readiness and entrepreneurial programs, homework help for children, welcoming spaces for community support programs, and a haven for children and youth after school.
Recognizing the library’s pivotal role in supporting migrants and ethnically diverse groups, a dedicated floor is allocated to community languages, fostering connections and social support.
This visionary library not only reflects the aspirations of its multicultural community but also sets a new standard for future libraries. In a time of significant global conflict, Yellamundie epitomizes how multicultural societies can thrive. By blending tradition with innovative programming tailored to local needs, Yellamundie redefines the role of libraries, ensuring they remain indispensable for generations to come.
Liverpool Civic Place
The new curvilinear library, Yellamundie, is inspired by the nearby river’s flow—an eddy that promotes pedestrian movement around its form. The center of the eddy is the library, accessible to all and highly visible from all directions, visually connecting with surrounding streets and blending with existing and new open spaces. The facade creates a translucent gesture of welcome, unity, and gathering while celebrating the importance of the individual through picture windows. Its moderate scale belies the library’s large floor area, offering a transition from the small neighboring heritage building to the surrounding high rise.
Below the plaza, a large courtyard level, illuminated by a lush garden and skylights, houses extensive functions including program spaces, a substantial collection, a reading room, and exhibition areas. This level supports numerous quiet study activities each day. Visitors arriving here can immerse themselves in the community’s stories and talents through exhibitions and gallery space.
Entry is situated within a pedestrian-friendly open space, away from noise and traffic. The human-scaled floor levels above and below the entry are awash with daylight and offer easily accessible collections, seating, and study areas. Highly valued as a positive future for many in the community, the youth are elevated to the top of the building, a place of great quality and safety where they are offered their own domain. Youth areas support group study and socialization. The wonderful outlook on the children’s level is celebrated with special, very popular ‘king of the castle’ tree-house lounges.
Background
Yellamundie is a Darug word meaning “storyteller.”
Yellamundie aims to create community connections, celebrate diversity, and promote inclusion and equality by providing welcoming, comfortable, and accessible spaces for all members of the Liverpool community.
The library supports the community in recreation, lifelong learning, healthy living, literacy, and digital outcomes.
The library holds extensive hard copy collections and digital materials, including eBooks, databases, and digital services for all ages and interests. The collection supports Liverpool’s diverse community, which is home to over 150 different cultures.
Specialized collections and services include:
- 18 community language collections
- Learning-to-read support collections
- Dyslexic collection
- Disability tech access room (unique)
The library offers a Heritage Service to preserve and present the history and development of Liverpool to the community in conjunction with our museum. Records and research assistance are available to the Council and the public.
A broad range of programs and events are presented at Yellamundie, including:
- Children’s events: Storytime, Rhyme Time, Early Literacy for Pre-Schoolers, school holiday events, Supported Playgroups, and Transition to School programs
- Youth events: Extensive HSC programs (e.g., ‘HSC Exam Preparation Workshop’), health programs (e.g., ‘Building Resilience and Better Self-Care’), STEM and Robotics
- Adult events: Author talks, Book Clubs, Preparing for Citizenship Courses, and a range of multicultural programs including Social Board Games and multicultural storytime
- Seniors’ events: Tech-savvy seniors, language groups
The library also runs a range of events associated with all these aspects of its operation.
