AUSTIN -- Austin may have the best music, queso and festivals, but could Austin also be home to the best new library in the world?
The Austin Central Library -- which was opened last October -- has been named a finalist for Public Library of the Year by the International Federation of Library Associations. Each year, this award is given to a newly built library.
PHOTOS: A look inside Austin Central Library
The Austin Central Library features 14 learning rooms, more than 100 computers, 150 self-checkout devices, an art gallery, a gift shop and a cafe.
"Austin has one of the greatest libraries in the world, as this nomination confirms,” said Austin Mayor Steve Adler.
A total of 35 libraries from 19 different countries applied for this award, and the Austin Central Library made it into the final round with four other finalists.
The five finalists include:
- Austin Central Library
- Villa-Lobos Park Library, Brazil
- Deichman Biblo Toyen, Norway
- KopGroep Bibliotheken, Netherlands
- Tampines Public Library, Singapore
“The Central Library is the crown jewel of not just the Austin Public Library system, but the city as a whole,” said Austin Public Library Director Roosevelt Weeks. “I’m so proud of this nomination. It speaks to what an incredible place our Central Library is.”
This year's winner will be announced on August 28 during the IFLA Annual Meeting in Malaysia.