Three London libraries vie for Library of the Year at The British Book Awards, recognizing UK and Ireland’s best.
The awards show love to libraries in the UK and Ireland. Libraries work hard to help folks and promote reading, even with less money. Publisher DK sponsors this Library of the Year award.
The award honors libraries doing great things as they help people’s lives through books. Philip Jones, the editor of The Bookseller, chairs the judges for the awards. He said they really admire the strong entries this year.
Libraries work hard to put reading first, which improves the lives of the people around them. They focus on local people. Philip Jones noted highlighting their work in 2024 is important and a real pleasure.
There are thirty-six libraries in the running, coming from nine different regions and countries. Seven of them are in London. Newham, Lambeth, Roehampton, and Wandsworth are also finalists.
Many other libraries are in the running, too. This includes libraries in Hertfordshire and Norfolk, as well as Gorey Library and Mullingar Library. Leicester, Rugby, and Stratford also made the list.
Several more are up for the award including Lye, Bolton, and South Tyneside libraries. Guisborough and Fred Moore libraries are also finalists, and East Riding, Stanley, and Oldham are on the list too.
Manchester, Barnsley, and Redcar are finalists along with Portsmouth, West Sussex, and Broadstairs libraries. Winchester, Guille-Alles, Bideford, and Braunton are also included, as are Exeter, Awen, Dundee, and Midlothian.
Karen Napier, who leads The Reading Agency, said the entries show libraries’ vital role in helping their communities. Finalists have shown cool, new projects. They promote reading and support local needs.
Libraries create connections and help people. These libraries adapt to reach audiences. They still focus on a love of reading and are creative in their work!
Baroness Liz Sanderson reviews library services. She says the entries show how libraries improve our lives in many ways through programs for learning and literacy.
Some libraries help with digital access and offer support for dementia or Down syndrome. Some libraries even welcome refugees. There are many libraries across the UK supporting their communities.
The regional winners will be known on March 12. The overall winner will be named on May 12, 2025, at The British Book Awards ceremony at Grosvenor House, London.