Heping Library, Shanghai's first 24-hour park library, has been nominated for the IFLA Public Library of the Year Award, the field's most prestigious international honor.

The nomination was announced at the 89th World Library and Information Congress in Astana, Kazakhstan. Considered the most prestigious international library award, it is conferred by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions.

Established in 1927, the IFLA is the most influential international organization in the field of libraries, comprising institutions and academies worldwide.

The Baker & Taylor Public Library of the Year Award recognizes newly built libraries that are functional, sustainable and innovative.

As Shanghai's first 24-hour park library, Heping Library stands out for its contextual design, seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor spaces. Visitors feel as if they are strolling through a garden while exploring the library.

Spanning 10,000 square meters, the library features four themed halls, an art gallery, and a central green space. It has been renovated as a green library, fully integrated into the park's ecosystem while preserving its original structure.

Energy conservation and emission reduction are achieved through measures such as installing photovoltaic panels on the roof, introducing natural light through floor-to-ceiling glass panels, and enhancing airflow via ventilation corridors.

The library is highly digitalized, represented by a booking system for available spots and a variety of online services. It also provides a customized, immersive cultural experience for different groups of readers.

Since its opening in April 2024, the library has welcomed a total of 2.6 million visits. It houses about 150,000 books and has issued more than 7,700 library cards.