Press release -
European cultural award to Deichman Bjørvika in Oslo
The new Deichman Bjørvika library in Oslo has won the international «Trend Brand of the Year 2020» award, a trend-setting recognition for libraries all over the world, according to the jury.
The ceremony of the 15th edition of the «Brand Award» took place entirely digitally in Potsdam, Germany. The jury consisted of 42 experts who evaluated eight categories in the cultural sector. Deichman Bjørvika in Oslo reached the final together with Det Kongelige Teater in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Blaibach concert hall in Germany.
The jury highlighted the fact that Deichman Bjørvika in Oslo has transformed the dusty clichés on what a library is, and made the library relevant to all the citizens, becoming a creative destination in the center of Oslo. The jury stated that the new main library is a unique, analog hub, built on innovative ideas and trend-setting. Deichman Bjørvika should be a model for libraries and public meeting places al over the world, the jury concluded.
"The response of the public after the library opened in June 2020 has been amazing. The feedbacks have been very positive, regarding the library, our collection and our employees", Merete Lie, department director at Deichman Bjørvika, said.
Deichman Bjørvika in Oslo opened on the 18th of June, 2020. The opening was slightly delayed due to the pandemic. The main lbrary consists of 6 floors filled with culture in many forms, and has had more than 800 000 visitors since its opening in June. In comparison, the old main library located in Hammersborg, a central area in Oslo, had 344 000 visitors in 2019.
From the jury's motivation:
- Transformation of dusty clichés of a library into a contemporary place for all the citizens.
- Creative living room of the city of Oslo
- A place in the middle of the city where you can be creative and follow your passions.
- A special, outstanding, analogue contact point.
- An innovative idea that sets trends and should be a model for libraries and community centers all over the world.
There is no doubt that Deichman Bjørvika is a library out of the ordinary. The offers range from restaurant and cinema to digital workshops. Deichman Bjørvika also hosts a room with the Future Library.
Future Library is an art project by the Scottish artist Katie Paterson on commission from Bjørvika Utvikling. The objective is to collect one original text by a new author every year between 2014 and 2114. The texts will be sealed away in a specially made room in the new public library in Bjørvika, and will first be made availableto the public in 2114. 1,000 trees have been planted in the Nordmarka forest in Oslo to provide printing paper for the texts. So far, famous authors such as Margret Atwood, David Mitchell and Sjón have contributed to this project.
Norway has in fact other unique libraries waiting to be discovered, once the corona situation will allow to travel again. From Bodø to Vennesla, libraries in Norway extend their reach over and beyond their traditional use.
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