Liverpool City Council’s Yellamundie – Liverpool City Library and Gallery has won the Public Library category at the prestigious 2026 Australian Library Design Awards, cementing its status as one of the nation’s leading civic buildings.

Presented by the Australian Library and Information Association, the biennial awards showcase the best in contemporary library design and celebrate the significant investment made by governments and institutions in library infrastructure across Australia.

Yellamundie was selected from a highly competitive field after being shortlisted in the public library category, one of five award streams spanning public, academic, school, special and other libraries.

Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun said the win reflects Council’s vision to deliver a landmark civic space for the community.

“Yellamundie’s continued recognition at the highest levels shows that Council’s decision to invest in a stunning, world-class civic centre was the right one,” Mayor Mannoun said.

“These repeated accolades justify that vision. More importantly, they show that this is a place the community has truly embraced.”

“Yellamundie is more than a library of books: it has become an important part of our community, a place for learning, connection and culture.”

The Australian Library Design Awards are judged by a panel of national and international experts drawn from the library, government, academic and architectural sectors, ensuring a rigorous assessment of both design excellence and community impact.

Shortlisted and winning libraries are featured on the Amazing Library Designs platform as case studies in design excellence, helping to shape the future of library buildings across Australia and beyond.

The award was presented at last night’s ALIA National Conference Dinner.

This latest recognition adds to Yellamundie’s growing list of accolades and reinforces Liverpool’s position as a leader in delivering innovative, community-focused public infrastructure.