Glenroy Library Receives Prestigious ALIA Commendation: Fostering Community Connection

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Glenroy Library has been awarded a commendation in the 2024 Library Design Awards by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA)

This recognition is a testament to the innovative design and community-centric approach of Glenroy Community Hub, which houses Australia’s first Passive House-certified library and community building.

The commendation noted:

Showcasing your remarkable talent, creativity, and dedication to the craft of architecture…Your design demonstrated a thoughtful and innovative approach to creating library spaces that foster a sense of community, inspiration, and discovery. The attention to detail, the integration of sustainable principles, and the emphasis on user experience were all elements that made your submission particularly noteworthy.

Jane Cowell
President, ALIA

From the outset, DesignInc approached this project with a vision to redefine what a community library could be. We saw it not just as a place to borrow books but as a ‘social connector’—a vibrant hub that links people to learning, health, and childcare services, fostering connections and inspiring growth within the community.

Nature informed every design choice, infusing the library with biophilic qualities and, making restorative, uplifting connections with nature. The diverse local community now celebrates Glenroy’s new heart fostering a healthier, more equitable and cohesive neighbourhood.

The ALIA awards represent the best design thinking around libraries in Australia, and DesignInc is delighted to receive this commendation. Our thanks go to ALIA and everybody who contributed to the ongoing success of Glenroy Community Hub. We congratulate the winners of this awards program that encourages architects and designers to push ahead with more creative, sustainable, and equitable libraries in our communities.

Kieran Leong
Principal, DesignInc Melbourne