The Mesa Gateway Library has been named IFLA/James Bennett’s Public Library of the Year at the 90th World Library and Information Congress in Busan, South Korea. Mesa Gateway Library is not just another new library building. It stands out as a refreshing forward-thinking take on what a great library could be. A community hub. A shared space. A place for reading and innovation. Its pleated roof draws one in, creating a protective canopy in the Arizona desert landscape, that links distinct program areas and creates a welcoming civic refuge inside and out.
Designed by Richärd Kennedy Architects, the parti takes inspiration from market halls from around the world, connecting different activity zones under a unifying sculptural cover. A vibrant interactive digital art display wall welcomes visitors, fostering a communal atmosphere where technology and cultural identity converge.
Inside, its structure balances lightness and permanence. Flexible zones of use support changing patterns of learning and engagement with choices for all ages. The open layout maximizes synergies among the discrete zones with resources for adults, teens, and children, maker and multi-purpose spaces, individual study and collaborative workspace, and technology-enabled study environments.
Sustainable choices and connection to its desert site were achieved with material choices, efficient building systems, daylighting and shading, and open views to nature. On the south side of the building, a shaded reading patio overlooks the lake and adjacent park, providing outdoor space for reading, studying, and gatherings.
As a civic locus of resources where technology, sustainability, and cultural identity converge, Mesa Gateway Library feels both refreshingly new and timelessly rooted in its landscape.
“It’s an incredible honor to see Gateway recognized on an international stage. This was a true collaboration, and I’m incredibly proud of what our team and the City of Mesa created together. Gateway is a world-class library that reflects its community and the people it serves.” — Kevin Kolden, AIA, Associate Principal, Richärd Kennedy Architects
“On behalf of the jury it has been such a joy to go through this year’s applications for the IFLA/James Bennett Public Library of the Year Award 2026. The shortlisted libraries presented here in Busan sums up some strong tendencies within library buildings this year. And also demonstrates how to take some of those tendencies even further and in a refreshing way. From strong focuses on sustainable solutions, impressive and forward-thinking technological services to important and vibrant community hubs with strong services and activities programs for all ages. Mesa Gateway Library stands out as a really great library! It is both architecturally pleasing, well organized both inside and out, strong on sustainability and just scoring really high in all prize criteria. It is simply a true role model. Congratulations to the entire Mesa Gateway Library team, Richärd Kennedy Architects and the local community of Arizona.” —Jury Chair, Jakob Lærkes
“On behalf of James Bennett, we are so proud to be able to support this award. Each year, PLOTY celebrates libraries that set new benchmarks for accessibility, sustainability, flexibility and user experience. We were blown away by Mesa’s engagement and transcendence of these values and criteria’s, to build a wonderful and fulfilling community space. Congratulations Mesa Gateway Library! What a wonderful way for you and the design team to be recognised and celebrated on a global stage.” —Prize Sponsor James Bennett General Manager, Kim Jardine / Head of Library Products and Services, Sarah Phillpot
Gary Price (gprice@gmail.com) is a librarian, writer, consultant, and frequent conference speaker based in the Washington D.C. metro area.
He earned his MLIS degree from Wayne State University in Detroit.
Price has won several awards including the SLA Innovations in Technology Award and Alumnus of the Year from the Wayne St. University Library and Information Science Program. From 2006-2009 he was Director of Online Information Services at Ask.com.
