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The British Book Awards launches new prize for public libraries
Library of the Year—launched by The British Book Awards, in association with DK and The Reading Agency—will recognise innovation in regional and national libraries
In a move to recognise the vital role of libraries in fostering reading and community engagement through their outreach and campaigns, The Bookseller has announced a new category for The British Book Awards: Library of the Year, sponsored by publisher DK and delivered in association with The Reading Agency.
This addition to The Bookseller-run annual awards will celebrate the best reading project or campaign delivered by a UK or Ireland-based library, and marks the return of libraries to the ceremony. The aim of the award is to recognise libraries’ innovation in reaching new readers and strengthening community ties, with regional and national winners to be announced in the run-up to the event.
“Libraries are at the heart of communities,” said Philip Jones, editor of The Bookseller and chair of the judges at The British Book Awards. “We want to shine a spotlight on the creativity of library staff in delivering reading innovation that is effectively engaging new communities of reading and library users, and encouraging greater interaction with books and library spaces both physically and digitally.”
Paul Kelly, c.e.o. of DK and chair of The Reading Agency, said: “At DK, we believe in the power of libraries to transform lives through knowledge and imagination. We’re proud to sponsor the new Library of the Year award, celebrating the innovative projects that inspire communities with the joy of reading. This award recognises the vital role libraries play in fostering literacy, curiosity, and lifelong learning.”
The new award was backed by the government too. Arts minister Chris Bryant. who holds the libraries brief, said: "Public libraries are our cultural diamonds. They enable readers’ imaginations to sparkle, they support thousands of local groups, they provide advice to businesses and charities, enabling them to flourish, they give individuals who might otherwise be lonely or cold a space to open up. We lose them at our peril. So it is beyond brilliant that The Bookseller is creating a new Library of the Year Award, which will help give recognition to vital projects striving to put libraries back at the heart of the communities they serve."
The new award will be open to statutory public library services in the UK and Ireland. It will focus on reading-related projects and campaigns implemented between January and December 2024. More details, including the entry criteria, will be released in the autumn when awards submissions open.
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The award will follow the pattern of the Independent Bookshop of the Year and Small Press of the Year awards, with regional and national shortlists announced in February, and winners in these categories to vie for the overall award at The British Book Awards.
Those shortlisted for the overall award will be invited to attend The British Book Awards ceremony by DK.
The Reading Agency will promote shortlisted and winning libraries on its website, providing valuable exposure and recognition at regional and national levels.
This new award category reflects a growing recognition of the crucial role libraries play as vital community hubs promoting literacy and fostering a love of reading and building social connections. By highlighting successful campaigns and innovative reading approaches, The Bookseller, DK and The Reading Agency aim to shine a light on the fantastic work and best practice happening in the library sector.
As the publishing industry continues to evolve, this award serves as a testament to the enduring importance of libraries in connecting readers with books and building stronger, more engaged reading communities. The addition of the Library of the Year to The British Book Awards promises to bring well-deserved attention to the tireless efforts of library staff across the UK and Ireland.
Founded more than 30 years ago, The British Book Awards, a.k.a. The Nibbies, is a celebration of books: it affirms, connects and energises the world of reading by showcasing those who create stories and everyone who plays a role in bringing those stories to life. It is now run by The Bookseller.
