AUSTIN, Texas — Out of 35 libraries in 19 countries, Austin Central Library has been named a top 5 finalist for Public Library of the Year.

The nominated libraries were selected by a jury consisting of members of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA), who looked at six different criteria, which include the extent to which the library takes into account new digital development, local culture, sustainability and the wishes and needs of the users.

Austin Central Library is the only finalist from the U.S.

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It was nominated by jurors “for its focus on sustainability, featuring its own energy production and rainwater systems, as well as its high flexibility — in terms of interior design and furniture.”

Other nominees include Villa-Lobos Park Library in Brazil; KopGroep Bibliotheken (School 7) in the Netherlands; the Norwegian public library Deichman Biblo Toyen and the Tampines public library in Singapore.

The winner will be announced Aug. 28 during an IFLA annual meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The 2018 winner will receive the title as well as a $5,000 prize, sponsored by Systematic.