A total of 42 libraries and library authorities across the UK and Ireland have been named as regional and country finalists. Karen Napier, CEO of The Reading Agency, said: "The calibre of submissions for this year’s Library of the Year Award has been inspiring. "Across the country, public libraries are making a real and positive difference, with imagination, ambition and a deep understanding of the communities they serve. The Library of the Year Award is sponsored by publisher DK and run in association with The Reading Agency. It celebrates libraries that place reading at the heart of everything they do and deliver outreach that transforms lives through storytelling and books.

Source: The Herald February 21, 2026 05:55 UTC