Four libraries across Edinburgh and Midlothian are in the running for The British Book Awards Library of the Year title.
A total of 42 libraries and library authorities across the UK and Ireland have been selected as regional and country finalists for the award, announced today.
Of those 42, Scotland is home to eight, meaning Edinburgh and the Lothians make up 50% of the country’s finalists.
Kirkliston and South Queensferry Libraries, Midlothian Library Service, Craigmillar Library and Oxgangs Library are the four local names battling it out for the title.
The awards aim to recognise the libraries and library authorities making a positive difference in their communities with “creative approaches to widening access” to reading and “a clear commitment to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the power of reading”.
The awards – sponsored by publisher DK and run in association with The Reading Agency – celebrate reading initiatives in which libraries collaborate with local publishers, partners and businesses, build community hubs and place reading at the heart of everything they do.
The 42 finalists are listed across eight different regions and countries, including nine in both North England and London, the eight in Scotland, five in East and South-East England, three in the Midlands, Ireland and Wales respectively and two in South-West England.
The regional and country winners of the Library of the Year Award will be announced on Thursday 12 March, whilst the overall winner will be revealed during The British Book Awards ceremony at Grosvenor House London on Monday 11 May 2026.
Scotland’s eight finalists stretch across the length and breadth of the country.
In north-west Edinburgh, Kirkliston Library and South Queensferry Library have implemented Schools Outreach Programmes to promote literacy and learning, while Midlothian Library Service is participating in the Every Child a Library Member initiative – a nationally branded approach to children’s membership across Scotland’s public libraries.
Orkney Library in Kirkwall on the archipelago at Scotland’s most northern tip has launched the Audio Waves Book Club, offering an inclusive experience for readers who prefer or require audiobooks.
Meanwhile, Glasgow Life Libraries has played a key role in the HMP Barlinnie Prison Library initiative, supporting individuals preparing for release by helping them develop skills and build confidence.
Philip Jones, editor of The Bookseller and chair of the judges for The British Book Awards, said: “It was a record year for submissions building on the return of the Library of the Year award at last year’s ceremony.
“This cohort are focused on reading, growing book borrowing and widening their reach. Ahead of The National Year of Reading, this was vital work, vitally done.”
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.
“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.”
Scotland’s eight finalists in full are Orkney Library, Kirkliston and South Queensferry Libraries, Midlothian Library Service, Craigmillar Library, Parkhead Library, West Dunbartonshire Libraries, Glasgow Life Libraries and Oxgangs Library.
