By Kevin Lavery, KWMU
St. Louis, MO – 
An international panel of librarians and book lovers has bestowed on St. Louis a unique distinction.
The group has selected the central (downtown) branch of the St. Louis Public Library as among the 12 most beautiful and historic libraries in the world.
The library is featured in the 2005 Renaissance Library Calendar, which is published by a company in Sweden.
Architect Cass Gilbert designed the building, which took four years to build and was completed in 1912.
St. Louis Public Library executive director Waller McGuire spoke with KWMU's Kevin Lavery about how the building made the list.
To hear the interview, click on the 'listen' icon above.
For more information visit the St. Louis Public Library Website