Missoula Public Library Named World’s Best

The Missoula Public Library has been named the Public Library of the Year 2022 after a search for the best library in the world by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA).

“We are so proud of the library and the Missoula Public Library Foundation for taking the huge leap of faith in the fall of 2016 to raise $35.65 million through a government bond issue and private philanthropy,” said Kevin Wallace, president and partner of CampaignCounsel.org. “When we began planning this campaign, the library had zero fundraising experience and the foundation had only one part-time staff member. We are honored to have planned and managed the “All Under One Roof” campaign and to have been a part of the team that made this world-renowned library a reality.”

Competed Against 20 Other Libraries

Missoula Public Library’s downtown flagship is the first library in North America to win this prestigious award — this year besting libraries in Denmark, Latvia, and Saudi Arabia. The IFLA award is presented to a newly designed library in any country which has excelled at combining open and sustainable architecture with IT solutions, learning technologies, and local culture and landscape. This year, 20 libraries from 17 different countries were in the running for the award.

“This year’s field of nominated libraries is particularly strong and reveals the breadth of scope within new library buildings,” IFLA jury chair Jakob Guillois Lærkes said in a news release. “From large and impressive prestige buildings to innovative and sustainable solutions and smaller local meeting venues. But Missoula Public Library has it all. The building stands out for its beautiful architecture that pays homage to the surrounding landscape while offering a wealth of possibilities and serving as a meeting place for the community. It’s a library that you would relish having in your own local area. It’s a library built for the future.”

Designed With Nature in Mind

The library, which opened in July 2021, was designed by Minneapolis-based MSR Design and Montana’s A&E Design. The award comes with $5,000 in prize-money, sponsored by Danish software company Systematic, which the Library will use for expansion of future community engagement efforts.

“(The award) belongs to our entire community and is a reflection of the incredible investment Missoulians have made in library excellence and lifelong learning — a legacy that will be admired and enjoyed for generations to come,” said MPL Executive Director Slaven Lee.

A news release from Systematic described the guiding principles behind the design of Missoula’s new library, stating that MSR Design and A&E Design found inspiration for the library's design in the surrounding nature – the stairs, walls and furniture are clad in wood, and the violet color of the interior is a tribute to Montana's state flower, the bitterroot. The main central staircase between the floors is reminiscent of climbing a mountain. Each of the floors offers different activities and options. On the upper floor, visitors can enjoy magnificent views of Mount Sentinel from the library’s rooftop terrace.

When designing the new Missoula Public Library, MSR and A&E had three guiding principles: The new library should be long-lasting, flexible and sustainable. The design of the building therefore includes an energy-saving air distribution system, and the building is heated with geothermal energy.

The main library’s 106,676 square feet are distributed across four floors. The ground floor functions as a meeting place. Here, there is a café, a shop as well as selected library materials. In addition, Missoula Community Access Television’s (MCAT) high-tech production studio is available for people to experiment with technology and media production. On the ground floor you will also find the University of Montana Living Lab, which bridges the gap between the library and the world of research.

The first floor is dedicated to children and families. Here, there are spaces for play and learning with the Hank and Nancy Harrington Children’s Library, Families First Learning Lab and the University of Montana spectrUM Discovery Area.

The second floor houses the library’s book collections, a commercial demonstration kitchen which can be used by citizens, study areas and a center for genealogical research.

The top floor is intended for events, receptions and other social arrangements. If you step onto the outdoor terrace, it is possible to enjoy the exceptional views of the mountain scenery.

Missoula Public Library thus houses four other organizations, and its multifunctional role as a library and knowledge, learning and community center make this year’s Public Library of the Year a unique place for people to gather, interact and innovate in modern and scenic surroundings.

“We are delighted to be the recipients of this important award which elevates the intersection of library service and architecture,” said Honore Bray, retired library director, and Traci Lesneski, CEO & Principal of MSR Design. “Thank you to the jury for this honor and congratulations to our fellow shortlisted libraries. It is inspiring to witness all the great work happening around the world.”

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