Eight Scottish Library Services have been shortlisted for The British Book Awards 2026 Library of the Year. Craigmillar Library in Edinburgh, HMP Barlinnie Prison Library in Glasgow, Kirkliston and Queensferry South Libraries in Edinburgh, Midlothian Council Library Service, Orkney Library and Archive, Oxgangs Library in Edinburgh, Parkhead Library in Glasgow and West Dunbartonshire Libraries have all been nominated.
The Library of the Year 2026 celebrates libraries that inspire local communities to engage in reading and the services offered by their local libraries. Run in associated with The Reading Agency, the award recognises innovation in both regional and national libraries.
Karen Napier, chief executive 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.
“Our finalists have demonstrated how libraries continue to deliver impactful reading initiatives while also acting as welcoming, trusted spaces where people can connect, learn, create and thrive. This year in particular, we’ve seen bold thinking in action: creative approaches to widening access, strong partnerships that amplify local impact, and a clear commitment to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the power of reading. During the National Year of Reading, these libraries exemplify what a modern public library can be – resilient, responsive and rooted in community, with reading at the centre of everything they do.”
The winning regional and national finalists will be announced at The British Book Awards ceremony at Grosvenor House in London in May.
Scottish Library of the Year Finalists
Craigmillar Library
Teen Book Club
The Teen Book Club at Craigmillar Library in Edinburgh meets up on the third Friday of every month to chat about books, enjoy some snacks and have fun. The club encourages teenagers to come together in a safe third place within their community.
HMP Barlinnie Prison Library
Library Initiative
The HMP Barlinnie Prison Library initiative supports individuals preparing for release. Glasgow Life Libraries play a key role in the programme, helping people develop skills and build confidence.
Kirkliston Library and South Queensferry Library
City of Edinburgh Council Schools Outreach Programme
Both Kirkliston Library and South Queensferry Library are active partners in the City of Edinburgh Council’s Schools Outreach Programme. The initiative promotes literacy and learning – boosting educational opportunities and support for children and young people in the city.
Midlothian Council Library Service
Every Child A Library Member
Every Child A Library Member is a Scottish Library and Information Council initiative which aims to streamline the library joining process for children across Scotland. Children across Midlothian can join the library services at three key stages – at birth registration, nursery enrolment and at the start of Primary 1.
Orkney Library and Archive
Audio Waves Book Club
Members of the Audio Waves Book Club listen to Audiobook and eAudiobooks instead of reading printed books. The focus is on being inclusive – there are no physical meetings, and it is open to anyone, anywhere who wants to take part. This opens it up not only for those with sight or mobility conditions but for those who live in remote or distant places.
Oxgangs Library
City of Edinburgh Libraries’ Secret Santa
The Secret Santa project was a collaboration between Oxgangs Library, the City of Edinburgh Mobile Library service and HMP Saughton Library. The initiative saw individuals receive loaned books from the library on Christmas Eve. The books had been chosen by librarians based on people’s preferred genres and authors. Each one was gift wrapped and gave individuals something to open on Christmas Day.
Parkhead Library
Library Relocation
In February 2025 Parkhead Library in Glasgow was relocated to a new Health and Social Care Partnership Hub in city’s East End. The newly located library, managed by Glasgow Life Libraries, continues to provide adult and children’s library services in a bright and modern space with improved accessibility.
West Dunbartonshire Libraries
Crackin’ Crits and Tales for Tots
Crackin’ Crits and Tales for Tots are initiatives which invite nursery and primary school aged children to local public libraries to participate in author/illustrator events. Children receive information packs aimed at their age group and are lent copies of participating author’s books from the library service.
