Celebrated author and literacy campaigner recognised for her longstanding support for public libraries

Bestselling author and literacy campaigner Kate Mosse CBE has been named Public Library Champion for 2026 by charity Libraries Connected, recognising her outstanding advocacy for public libraries and their impact on reading, literacy and social connection.

Now in its third year, the Public Library Champion award honours a public figure who has used their platform to raise awareness of the vital role public libraries play in local communities.

Mosse is an award‑winning novelist, playwright and non‑fiction writer whose books have been translated into 38 languages and published in more than 40 countries. Her bestselling fiction includes Labyrinth, The Joubert Family Chronicles and acclaimed Gothic novels, alongside widely praised non‑fiction and stage work. She is also the founder director of the Women’s Prize for Fiction and the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction. She was awarded a CBE in 2024.

Through media interviews, commentary and public campaigning, Mosse has consistently argued for proper investment in libraries and for free, inclusive access to books and reading. She has also highlighted the role of public libraries in building lifelong reading habits, broadening access to books, and connecting readers with authors across genres.

Mosse will formally accept the award later this month at the Libraries Connected Awards, held as part of the charity’s annual seminar, alongside library workers recognised for their impact on local communities.

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.

Isobel Hunter MBE, Chief Executive of Libraries Connected, said:

“It is a real joy to celebrate Kate Mosse as our Public Library Champion for 2026. For many years, Kate has been an inspiring advocate for public libraries, celebrating them as welcoming places of creativity, connection and community. Kate speaks with warmth and conviction about why libraries matter, especially the importance of professionally staffed services that are open to all. At a time when libraries are under real pressure, Kate’s voice makes an enormous difference.”

Kate Mosse said:

“I am delighted to accept this award. There is so much amazing work being done in libraries up and down the country - to inspire, to support, to engage readers young and not so young - and it is crucial for all of us to help shine a spotlight on how libraries play a key role in our communities. The presence of libraries on our high streets, in our schools and colleges, in our leisure centres make it clear not only how books matter, how learning support and literacy matters, but also that reading is for everyone. Thank you to all the librarians and colleagues in the library service who make the difference and thanks to everyone at Libraries Connected for this wonderful honour.”