8 CROWNED LIBRARIES AND LIBRARY AUTHORITIES FOR INITIATIVES CHAMPIONING READING

Eight libraries and library authorities from across the United Kingdom and Ireland have been crowned regional and country winners, celebrating those that engage communities in meaningful, lasting ways, through thoughtful collaboration and innovation.

Selected by the judges from 42 finalists announced last month, the award, sponsored by publisher DK and run in association with The Reading Agency, celebrates libraries that inspire local communities to engage in reading and the services offered by their local libraries.

The overall regional and country winner of the Library of the Year award will be revealed during The British Book Awards ceremony at Grosvenor House on Monday 11th May 2026.

The 2026 regional and country winners for The British Book Awards 2026 Library of the Year are:

Island of Ireland: Twin Towns Library (Donegal)

London: Southwark Libraries

Midlands: Warwickshire Libraries

North England: Hull Libraries (Hull Culture and Leisure)

Scotland: Oxgangs Library

East and South-East England: West Sussex Library Service

South-West England: Cornwall Libraries

Wales: Neath Port Talbot Library Service