The revamped Redbridge Central Library is in the running to be named Library of the Year at The Bookseller Industry Awards.
The library in Clements Road, Ilford, underwent a £1million refurbishment before being unveiled to the public last July.
It is up against six other UK libraries from cities including Dundee, Edinburgh and Nottingham, at the awards to be held on May 13.
Improvements at the library, which opened in 1986, included an “Enchanted Forest” area with interactive projections to inspire children to read; iPad towers, self-service machines and a combined reference library and archives section.
Cllr Keith Prince, the leader of Redbridge Council, said: “The fact the library has been shortlisted for this award is a true reflection on the excellent facilities and services provided.
“We recognise how important libraries are to our community and we have a strong commitment to investing and refurbishing them.
“I hope this nomination encourages even more people to visit their local library and experience the excellent range of services that libraries in this borough provide.”
The Bookseller is a leading magazine and website for the book industry.
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