This award, mainly sponsored by Baker & Taylor, is presented to honor new public libraries that have best managed to combine open and functional architecture with sustainable and creative IT solutions and have included both digital developments and local culture. Gabrielle-Roy Library has not just met these criteria, but it has redefined them.
Nestled in the heart of Québec's historic Saint-Roch district, Gabrielle-Roy Library is far more than a repository of books. Since its major transformative renovation was completed a few years ago, it has blossomed into the city's vibrant living room and a dynamic cultural hub. The library's architecture is a stunning blend of modernity and homage, with its design echoing the iconic Château Frontenac, seamlessly connecting the city's rich past with its innovative future.
It's a champion of accessibility and inclusion. The design is universally accessible, ensuring everyone, regardless of ability, can navigate and enjoy the space with dignity. The library actively serves diverse populations, including new immigrants, with multilingual collections and programs that foster a sense of belonging.
It's a creative and digital catalyst. Beyond its vast physical and digital collections, the library offers makerspaces, recording studios, and cutting-edge technology labs. It empowers citizens to become creators, not just consumers, of information and art. It's a place where you can borrow a novel, a sewing machine, or even learn to 3D print.
It's the community's heartbeat. The library's programs are co-created with and for the people of Québec. From lively author talks and art exhibitions to coding workshops for seniors and play areas for children, every corner hums with activity and connection. It has become an indispensable partner in the social, educational, and cultural fabric of the city.
Winning the IFLA Public Library of the Year Award is a monumental achievement. Gabrielle-Roy Library gives the world a beautiful blueprint for the future of libraries that can and should be: open, transformative, and fiercely dedicated to its community.
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