Libraries and library authorities across the United Kingdom and Ireland are set to compete for one of the sector’s most prestigious honours after 42 entrants were shortlisted for the 2026 Library of the Year Award, part of the The British Book Awards.
The nominations recognise institutions judged to have made a significant social and cultural impact through reading initiatives, partnerships and community engagement. Organisers said the shortlisted libraries were selected for making a positive difference through “creative approaches to widening access” to books and demonstrating “a clear commitment to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the power of reading.”
The annual award, sponsored by publisher DK and run in association with The Reading Agency, highlights how libraries continue to evolve beyond traditional book lending to become community anchors supporting literacy, wellbeing and local economic participation.
According to the organisers, the awards celebrate initiatives where libraries work alongside local publishers, charities and commercial partners, create community-focused spaces, and place reading at the centre of their services. Both individual branches and wider library authorities are eligible, reflecting the growing importance of strategic collaboration across districts.
The 42 shortlisted entrants are spread across eight regions and nations, underlining the scale and diversity of the UK and Ireland’s public library network. London and North England account for the largest share, with nine finalists each, followed by Scotland with eight. East and South-East England have five finalists, while the Midlands, Wales and the Island of Ireland have three apiece. South-West England has two finalists.
The recognition comes at a time when libraries are under increasing financial pressure from local authority budget constraints, but are also being asked to play a broader civic role. Many of the shortlisted services have introduced programmes supporting digital inclusion, employability, children’s literacy and social cohesion.
Organisers said the awards specifically acknowledge libraries that “serve their readers and implement initiatives which reach deep into communities, improving the lives of individuals through storytelling and literature.”
London finalists announced
Nine London-area library services have been shortlisted for the capital’s regional award. They are:
- Southwark Libraries
- Hackney Libraries
- Richmond upon Thames Library Service
- Northwood Library
- London Borough of Newham
- GLL Libraries (Literary Foundation)
- Camden Libraries
- GLL Bromley Library Service
- Lambeth Libraries
These finalists reflect the capital’s diverse boroughs and the varied approaches taken to engage readers, from borough-wide literacy campaigns to hyper-local community programming.
Community impact in focus
The Library of the Year Award has increasingly emphasised measurable community outcomes, including reaching underserved populations and fostering partnerships with schools, health providers and local businesses.
Libraries have also become important venues for tackling digital exclusion, offering internet access, training and support services. This expanded role has positioned them as vital contributors to local economies, helping residents develop skills and access employment opportunities.
The awards’ focus on collaboration with publishers and businesses also highlights the growing intersection between public services and the wider book industry. By hosting author events, reading programmes and literacy campaigns, libraries help drive book discovery and support publishing ecosystems.
Next stages in the awards process
Regional and national winners will be announced as part of The British Book Awards 2026 programme, culminating in the overall Library of the Year being named.
The awards are widely regarded as a benchmark for excellence in the sector, offering national recognition and raising the profile of libraries at a time of significant transformation.
For library leaders, the shortlist serves not only as recognition of past achievements but also as validation of the evolving role libraries play in modern Britain and Ireland.
As the competition progresses, attention will turn to which service best demonstrates innovation, inclusivity and measurable community benefit — qualities increasingly seen as essential to the future of public libraries.
The winner will join previous recipients recognised for redefining what library services can deliver, both as cultural institutions and as drivers of opportunity within their communities.
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