It will come as no surprise to the very many Brixton residents who use its services, that the Tate Library on Windrush Square, together with all the other Lambeth libraries, are finalists in the British Book Awards 2025 Library of the Year contest. Regarded as “the BAFTAs of the book trade”, the awards celebrate books and those who bring them to communities – improving the lives of individuals through storytelling and literature. The focus is on reading initiatives in which libraries collaborate with local publishers, partners and businesses; build inspiring community hubs; and place reading at the heart of everything they do.
Karen Napier MBE and CEO of The Reading Agency and one of the judges 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.”
This describes perfectly what our library is. Susanna, Caroline and the team work tirelessly to create and sustain a resource for the people of Brixton. Whether it’s reading a book, studying for exams, participating in a class, using a computer, looking at art, attending an event or simply looking for a place of calm, the library is always on hand to help out.
There are 36 libraries and library authorities in nine different regions which have made it to the final. One winner from each region will be chosen in March, with those winners contending for the overall prize, announced at The British Book Awards ceremony on Monday 12th May 2025. In the London region, Lambeth libraries are up against one other library organisation (Newham) and 5 individual libraries.
Here’s wishing Lambeth Libraries the very best.
