THE Pingshan Library in Pingshan District has become the country’s only library to have made it into the shortlist of the IFLA Green Library Award 2021. The list was recently released by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), Shenzhen Evening News reported yesterday.

Other candidates on the green library award shortlist include the Hobsons Bay Libraries in Australia, the Edmonton Public Library in Canada and the Knjiznica Ormoz Library in Slovenia.

The winners will be officially announced at the virtual IFLA World Library and Information Congress in August this year.

Most readers have deemed it a pleasure to read and enjoy the beautiful scenery of blue sky, white clouds and parks in the Pingshan Library since it opened its door to the public in 2019, said the News.

In order to integrate a touch of greenness into the daily life of citizens and readers, the Pingshan Library has been adhering to concepts of going green, and strives to integrate environmental protection into the design, operation, activities and the development plan of the library.

From green building materials to natural ventilation, automatic water-saving sanitary ware, rainwater recovery system and green lighting, the Pingshan Library values daily energy saving in its facilities and operations, and spreads environmental awareness through activities such as eco-friendly summer camps, themed lectures and book recommendations.

According to the Pingshan Library, the concept of going green is rooted in the core of the library’s development, and that being shortlisted for green library award is neither the end nor the destination, but one of the stops in its “green journey.”

The IFLA says the Green Library Award aims to reward green libraries and green library projects that best communicate their commitment to environment sustainability and to create awareness of libraries’ social responsibility and leadership in environmental education.

Founded in 1927, the IFLA is a leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users. It now has more than 1,500 members in over 150 countries. (Zhang Yu)