Lambeth Libraries have been named one of London’s finalists in the prestigious British Book Awards 2025 Library of the Year contest.
The awards, often referred to as “the BAFTAs of the book trade,” celebrate outstanding contributions that libraries and librarians make to the community.
Managing the books
For Lambeth’s librarians, being shortlisted is a recognition of the unique and innovative way they manage the books they stock for the community to borrow: buying the titles customers ask for, so the books are as diverse as their readership; sourcing books locally, from small publishers alongside big; and hosting events such as author’s readings throughout Black History Month and LGBTQ+ History Month, or running an annual Readers and Writers Festival.
Community hubs
Lambeth Libraries are also vital community hubs, offering people across the borough access to resources including book clubs, study spaces, computers, art shows, and storytelling sessions that help create a love for reading.
The finals
Lambeth is one of 36 libraries and library authorities shortlisted across nine regions of the UK. Newham and five individual libraries are the rival nominations in London. This month, a winner will be selected from each region, with the nine finalists competing for an overall prize to be announced on Monday, May 12, 2025.
Word from the Cabinet
Cllr Donatus Anyanwu, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said: “Our libraries are an incredibly important part of Lambeth’s communities, and we remain committed to improving the service despite the significant financial challenges facing local government. We spend £4million a year on running libraries services, and have invested an extra £4.7 million since 2022 to make sure they provide the best services for our residents.
“Lambeth Libraries’ innovative ways of meeting the community’s needs and promoting a culture of reading deserve to be celebrated. Lambeth Libraries stands as a shining example of the crucial role libraries play in modern society. We eagerly await the regional results and wish them the best of luck for national success.”
“The best of what modern libraries can achieve”
British Book Awards judge Karen Napier, CEO of The Reading Agency, said: “These finalists represent the very best of what modern libraries can achieve, proving that libraries remain essential, dynamic spaces of learning, creativity, and community engagement, with reading at their heart.”
More information
Find out more about the 2025 British Book Awards
