Dundee Central Library has been named one of two Scottish finalists for The British Book Awards 2025 Library of the Year.
They join libraries from across the UK and the island of Ireland who have been recognised for their ingenuity as they have continued to collaborate with publishers, businesses and other partners, building reading hubs for their communities.
Regional winners of the award, which is sponsored by publisher DK and run in association with the Reading Agency, will be announced in March with the overall winner announced in May at a ceremony in London.
The entry from Dundee focussed on the innovative work done in Central Library on the new Creative Space which was co-designed by library staff and communities and gives a free space for workshops and crafting. Other teams in the libraries run the At Home service which takes books and more to people’s homes, and the school service where library staff work with schools to provide learning materials to support students.
Anna Day, Head of Libraries and Culture, Leisure & Culture Dundee said:
“I am delighted that Dundee Central Library is a finalist in the prestigious Library of the Year awards. Our new Creative Central space is the result of the hard work of our library staff who listened to what the community wanted, made key decisions and have driven it to being a welcoming and fun place for everyone in the city. Staff across the whole of Central and in our community libraries work hard to make our spaces a success and this is a recognition of the hard work they undertake every day.”
Karen Napier MBE, CEO, The Reading Agency said:
“The exceptional entries to this year’s Library of the Year award demonstrate the vital role that public libraries play in our communities. Each finalist has shown remarkable innovation in developing projects that not only promote reading but also create meaningful connections and support local needs. From digital literacy initiatives to inclusive community outreach programmes, these libraries have shown extraordinary creativity in adapting their services to reach new audiences while maintaining their core mission of fostering a love of reading. What particularly stands out is how these libraries have become true community hubs by working so collaboratively with local partners. These finalists represent the very best of what modern libraries can achieve, proving that they remain essential, dynamic spaces of learning, creativity and community engagement, with reading at their heart.”
Paul Kelly, CEO of DK, said:
"This year’s finalists exemplify the spirit of collaboration and dedication that are integral to libraries, and it is inspiring to see how they adapt to the needs of their communities while also adding cultural value to their communities. I look forward to celebrating their achievements and the positive impact they have on so many people around the country."