As part of the World Library and Information Congress in Rotterdam, the García Márquez Library, located in the Sant Martí district of Barcelona, has been awarded as the Best Public Library in the world in 2023.
This recognition is awarded by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), a prestigious organization that promotes the importance of libraries worldwide.
The García Márquez Library is an impressive and unique structure, conceived as a monument to culture and learning. It is simply a spectacular architectural structure.
The library evokes the image of a gigantic stack of books, a visual metaphor that captures the very essence of its purpose.
Designed by architects Elena Orte and Guillermo Sevillano of SUMA Arquitectura, this library is much more than a building; it is a symbol of the connection between architecture, knowledge and community.
The library shines with its Nordic design, which uses light wood and glass to create bright, open spaces.
This focus on comfort and sustainability is reflected in every corner of the building. The materials used are recyclable and sustainable, demonstrating a commitment to the environment and energy efficiency. Photovoltaic panels are even incorporated and rainwater is reused for irrigation.
A historic recognition as the World’s Best Public Library
The award given to the García Márquez Library is not only a personal achievement for the institution, but also a historic milestone for Spanish public libraries. In fact, it is the first time that a Spanish public library has won the IFLA award.
This international recognition is a testament to the quality and impact of this library on the local community and the world of education.
The García Márquez Library was conceived as a cultural and proximity space, designed to enrich the lives of the neighbors.
Interaction with local culture, architectural quality, flexibility of spaces and services, digitalization and technical solutions are aspects that the IFLA jury valued in its decision.
The library is not only a place for reading, but also a learning center, a social meeting point and a platform for connecting people.
A tribute to the Nobel
The library’s name, García Márquez, pays tribute to the renowned Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez and Nobel Prize winner for literature, who left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his magic and magical realism.
The library’s design and activities celebrate the richness of Latin American literature and honor García Márquez and other influential authors of the literary “boom” of the 1960s and 1970s.
