Libraries Connected Awards 2026 winners revealed
The library workers behind an innovative partnership with local football teams, a collaborative community artwork and groundbreaking tech experiences for young people are among the winners of this year’s Libraries Connected Awards.
The Awards celebrate the achievements of library staff who have made an exceptional impact on their services, users and local communities. The six categories reflect the charity’s Universal Library Offers (ULOs) and Promises – the core services that modern public libraries provide.
For the fifth successive year the Awards are generously sponsored by OverDrive, the leading digital content distributor for libraries and schools worldwide, and creator of the award-winning library reading app, Libby.
Winners this year include James Fisher and Zachary Wells from Kent Libraries, who took the Children’s Promise Award for bringing reading into sporting environments through partnerships with youth football clubs.
The Culture and Creativity Award went to Michelle Shine and Keshia Stewart from Stockport Libraries for their ambitious mosaic project, which combined community storytelling, sustainability and public art to mark the 80th anniversary of VE/VJ Day.
Charlotte Higham from Bolton Libraries won the Health and Wellbeing Award for introducing interactive technology to support people living with dementia, while Blackpool Libraries’ Engagement and Access Team took the Information and Digital Award for giving young people hands-on experience creating immersive digital content.
The Share the Vision Award, recognising work with blind and visually impaired library users, went to Sarah Jones from Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure for championing accessibility through inclusive cultural programming.
Caroline Hall from Bolton Libraries won the Reading Award for her leadership in early years reading, storytelling and literacy.
The winners were announced last night at a ceremony at the Chesford Grange Hotel in Warwickshire, during the Libraries Connected Annual Seminar.
Runners-up were also recognised for their outstanding contributions, including initiatives that bring together educators and librarians to improve children’s life chances, inclusive creative programmes that reduce isolation, and innovative approaches to encouraging reading through local partnerships.
The Libraries Connected President’s Special Achievement Award was presented to Ian Anstice BEM, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the sector through his Public Libraries News website, which he ran for 15 years until 2025. Bestselling author Kate Mosse CBE was named Public Library Champion for 2026 for her exceptional advocacy for reading, literacy and public libraries.
The winners were chosen by an expert panel including senior Libraries Connected staff and trustees, and leaders from across the charity, publishing and arts sectors.
Libraries Connected Chief Executive Isobel Hunter MBE said:
“Huge congratulations to all this year’s Libraries Connected Award winners and runners-up. In a year with a record number of nominations, this is a really significant achievement. Our Awards highlight the vital role libraries play in supporting their communities, but above all they recognise the people whose commitment and creativity make that impact possible.”
Nick Forster. Regional Manager, EMEA, Overdrive said:
“As we celebrate our fifth year supporting the Libraries Connected Awards, we continue to be inspired by the exceptional work happening in libraries across the country. The creativity, resilience, and community focus shown in this year’s nominations demonstrate the profound impact libraries have on people’s lives. OverDrive is proud to champion the dedicated professionals who make this possible.”