We caught up with Duncan Wright from Accessit Library ahead of their headline sponsorship of the SLA conference
Andrew Macintyre, Publisher at DK, explores how information fiction books can open doors to whole new worlds
Discover how to promote a culture of reading for pleasure during the National Year of Reading, right from the very start of the secondary school journey, with BookTrust’s Bookbuzz Secondary programme
Tony Jones, senior librarian at Emanuel School, London, tells us how changing their library management system turbo-charged their reading culture – with pupils submitting more than 10,000 book reviews in three years
Read CEO Victoria Dilly's reflections on giving evidence Education Select Committee
On Wednesday 13th May 2026, School Library Association CEO, Victoria Dilly gave evidence to the Education Select Committee inquiry
Ailsa Bathgate, Publisher at Barrington Stoke reflects on the children who may feel excluded from the transformative power of reading and books
National treasure Michael Rosen will be the after-dinner speaker at this year's Annual Conference
David Fickling, Publisher at David Fickling Books shares the The Phoenix Approach to Engaging Young Readers
Andersen Press explore the power of celebration days and activities to help children engage with books with reading
The School Library Association recently joined leaders from across the library sector for the official launch of the Libraries Alliance
Bloomsbury Publishing has come on board as sponsor of the Secondary School Librarian of the Year Award
SLA Training and Events Manager, Anna Bray looks ahead to the Annual Conference
Censorship is one of the most important issues facing school librarians right now, and it's a significant focus of our work at the SLA
There's been lots of Children's Book Award news recently! Catch up with our round-up
We're so pleased to announce that Puffin will be the publisher sponsor of the 2026 Annual Conference
Meet the judging panel for the brand new Barrington Stoke Reader of the Year Award!
Read an exclusive Q & A with the creators of Skating Wider, a graphic novel celebrating skateboarding and friendship
In appreciation of the school library staff who make the magic of World Book Day
We've launched the only national award to celebrate young people who have overcome challenge to enjoy reading
Apply now for one of seven funded places at the SLA Annual Conference 2026
The School Library Association has been awarded £500,000 by the Charlotte Aitken Trust to launch a new reading programme
We’ve gathered everything you need to know about recent campaigns, policy changes and enquiries
Read our pick of the brilliant titles presented at the SLA Spring Term Publisher Roadshows
The SLA, Softlink and Peters have joined forces to launch Mission Control, a new initiative designed for primary schools
Announcing the winners of our National Year of Reading membership competition, generously funded by AccessIt Library
The Awesomely Adventurous Librarians has been described as a love letter to librarians. Author Donna David shares more
Sam Taplin, author and publishing director at Usborne shares how the SLA Awards reminded him why children’s books matter
Announcing the IBA shortlist and new sponsorship from DK, the UK’s number one children’s non-fiction publisher
Announcing the IBA longlist and the 2026 book club opportunity for schools
Immerse yourself in Christmas spirit and indulge in a festive read - from Ho Ho Ho to horror!
Ryde School with Upper Chine were named National Champions at the live finals in London
Greg Jenner gave an entertaining and moving opening address at the Information Book Award ceremony
Announcing the 2025 Information Book Award winners!
A new Chair Designate and six new Trustees were voted into office at the SLA Annual General Meeting
Award-winning children’s author Tom Palmer has joined the SLA to help champion school libraries and reading for pleasure
Read more from Chris Haughton and Loonie Park, creators of The History of Information
Released this morning, the 8th annual CLPE Reflecting Realities survey shows a modest increase in minoritised characters in books published for children in the UK.
We spoke to author Rashmi Sirdeshpande and illustrator Jason Lyon about creating engaging information books
Meet this year's School Library Association Award Winners
Read our pick of the brilliant titles presented at the SLA Autumn Term Publisher Roadshows
Legendary children's author Dame Jacqueline Wilson will be at the 2026 SLA conference!
Catch up with our fantastic free webinar celebrating 20 years of the School Librarian of the Year Award
Many schools and headteachers are dealing with increasing incidents of racism. How can school libraries contribute to a solution?
Announcing a flagship partnership that will focus on celebrating reading, supporting school libraries, and advancing literacy outcomes
Nominations are open for the 2026 Pupil Library Assistant of the Year Awards - enter before 17th November!
Our new Social Reading Spaces Toolkit is now available to download
Read the SLA's response to today's announcement by chancellor, Rachel Reeves
"The conference is a fantastic place to gather feedback from those who use our books in schools."
We are so pleased to welcome Jamie Smart and Jonathan Douglas to the 2026 Conference programme
Cast your vote in the Children's Choice categories before Saturday 18th October
Read our round-up of the awards, events and research projects that you might have missed this summer
Find out what SLA Community Engagement Officer, Hazel Murrell has been reading this summer
Paul Register has stepped down as Chair of Trustees of the SLA and we are actively recruiting a new Chair
Find out more about the libraries, librarians and library projects that have made our 2025 Honours list!
Hundreds of schools take part in the What on Earth! Magazine Quiz each year
Summer is almost here! Here are some ideas and initiatives for keeping children creatively engaged over the holiday
We're pleased to announce a new book list resource for SLA members
An interesting conversation about school libraries took place in the House of Lords on Monday 30th June 2025
Read the SLA's response to the proposed removal of 16 school librarian posts in Glasgow
Announcing the Information Book Award Shortlist: explore the 12 titles that are in the running!
Our round-up of awards, events and research projects that you don't want to miss this week
Read our reflections on the SLA Conference 2026
Victoria Dilly begins an exciting tour of the SLA member schools today
Read about a new Reading Rights report and how the SLA advocate for primary school libraries
Aidan Chambers, author and former President of the School Library Association has died aged 90
SLA member school chooses £500 of books for their library thanks to the Siobhan Dowd Trust
Brown's Books will sponsor the 20th anniversary of the SLYA, marking two decades of recognising excellence
Announcing the IBA longlist and an exciting book club opportunity for schools
Read the Social Reading Spaces study, conducted by HarperCollins UK and the SLA
The 2025 CLiPPA shortlist was announced online today
See behind the scenes at the SLA in a round-up of our recent events
Hear from SLA Member Claire Roberts on using audiobooks to support reading in school
School librarian and SLA Trustee, Helen Cleaves, looks back on Alex Wheatle's life and work
This week we hosted a fantastic free one-hour webinar exploring ways to use audio in school
The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award laureate was announced today in a live broadcast from Stockholm
We're delighted to announce the incredible 2025 winners of the 12th annual Pupil Library Assistant of the Year Awards
Thanks to generous sponsorship, we're delighted to be able to offer a number of free tickets to our 2025 Weekend Course
The SLA's initial response to the Curriculum and Assessment Review Report
POWERFUL, EMPATHETIC AND REPRESENTATIVE SHORTLISTS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2025 UKLA BOOK AWARDS
What's inside the spring issue of our quarterly journal The School Librarian (TSL)
Readers needed for Blue Peter Book Club
The Carnegies, the UK’s longest running and best loved book awards for children and young people, today announced their shortlists for 2025.
Peters Books of the Year Winners Announced
500 Words Competition Winners Announced
The Children's Book Award have announced their shortlists for 2025.
Thoughts on EmpathyLab's booklists from my time as a panel judge
Tenth anniversary of the prize celebrating the most exciting newcomers to picture book illustration.
The students and librarian of Lilian Baylis Technology School would like to thank the SLA.
EmpathyLab has launched its 2025 Read for Empathy book collection for 3-16-year-olds.
The Carnegies, the UK’s longest running and best loved book awards for children and young people, today announced their longlists for 2025.
The Henrietta Branford Writing Competition, the annual competition for young people which runs in conjunction with the Branford Boase Award, is now open.
New SLA CEO starts
Fact-checking social media posts
Andrew Shenton shares thoughts on the three states of knowledge as a tool to help independent learning.
As we head into 2025, we wanted to reflect on the inspiring achievements and milestones that made 2024 such a remarkable year for the SLA.
Engaging and Empowering Inquirers
The Excelsior Shortlists for 2025 have been announced
A new coalition of rights holders has called on government to spur growth in the creative and tech sectors by protecting copyright.
Nero Book Award winners 2024
The Lollies winners 2024
Books linked to TV programmes over the 2024 festive period
A ten-day nationwide festival from 2-12 June 2025
Final of annual quiz
7th annual CLPE Reflecting Realities survey shows significant drop in the presence of racially minoritised characters in books published for children in the UK
Winners of the 2024 IBA have been announced.
Insights from our CEO into what her role entails, and what's going on at the SLA
Love children's books? Could you join an expert panel of readers this winter to help shape the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge Book Collection?
BookTrust's family survey has revealed a worrying decline in children's enjoyment of reading.
SLA 2024 Advent Calendar
We’re delighted to announce that we’re working with Britannica Education and DLT magazines to give you even more for your SLA membership.
Excelsior Award Registration Opens
The UK’s longest running book awards for children and young people have announced nominations for the 2025 awards.
Between the Library and the Classroom: Becoming Integral to the Educational Process blog
The Keats-Shelley Memorial Association announces the launch of the Keats-Shelley Prizes.
Author John O’Farrell, British Library Chief Librarian Liz Jolly, and key library sector representatives joined politicians in a packed parliamentary Terrace Pavilion yesterday to celebrate the positive impact of libraries across society.
Highlighting the best of the diverse voices published in the UK & Ireland
Michael Rosen Day - a national celebration aimed at families, schools, nurseries, libraries in celebration of the brilliance of our national treasure - Michael, and more generally creativity, poetry and reading for pleasure.
The School Library Association won the ASI Great Things Award for Best New Implementation.
Speaking to a generation of young activists and critical thinkers covering social justice issues
New Developments in School Libraries, the Latest Research
Olivia is a valued member of the SLA and currently serves as an Academic Liaison Librarian at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (Birmingham).
Trust funds books bookshops
This September, the School Library Association proudly celebrated Stronger Together Month.
Scholastic UK announced the winners of the inaugural Graphic Novel Prize 2024.
A number of schools across the country have proved how much impact school libraries can make
A coalition of publishers, authors, educators, and industry professionals sent an open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, calling for a cross-government commitment to prioritise reading for pleasure among children.
The awards honour the authors, illustrators and publishers who inspire children to read for pleasure.
You spoke, we listened.
The press release for the ONLY national awards entirely judged by Teachers.
Annual 500 Words Competition Opens
Children For Change is a new ground-breaking eBook collection of stories, illustrations and features inspiring young readers to ‘take an action’ to protect our environments.
Frances Hardinge AGM speech
Resources for the school library in the Autumn Term
Celebrate your school library community
We three organisations respond to censorship in schools and express the need for diverse library collections
The Bookseller Library Focus edition available to SLA & CILIP Members
Resources you may find useful when starting your new role, or just as a reminder for the new academic year ahead
SLA Advocacy; we write to the Minister for School Standards
Children's book recommendations on different themes every Monday until the end of August.
The award champions great books in the YA age category from the previous year.
Shortlists for this book prize on the importance of nature
The First Chapter Award is open to those entering into or within the first five years of their career contributing towards publishing or book-related industries.
These eight titles speak to a generation of young activists and critical thinkers covering a wide range of social justice issues
Now that the school year is drawing to a close, catch up on our most popular videos of 2024
Are you a school library professional currently working in a school library anywhere in the world? Share your experience.
The winner of the UK’s major award for published poetry for children, the CLiPPA (CLPE Children’s Poetry Award) has been announced.
Nicola Usborne talks to us about the Peter Usborne Primary School Library of the Year Award, and how Usborne Books is continuing her father’s commitment to supporting literacy.
Plus don't miss an event where she'll share more about the government's vision for the education system.
New research trial exploring how social reading environments impact on students’ enjoyment of reading.
Hard-hitting winners announced for the unique awards from teachers.
Blog exploring real school libraries, their impact and their future.
Winning submissions preempted some of the most hotly debated issues in the UK’s current general election campaign.
this prestigious role celebrates creativity and storytelling, promotes the vital importance of reading and children’s literature, and champions the right of every child to enjoy a lifetime enriched with books and stories.
Taking place over Friday 6 and Saturday 7 June, the course will deliver high quality CPD for all those working in or interested in school libraries.
The awards recognise and celebrate teachers who are putting Reading for Pleasure at the heart of their classrooms.
The Lollies celebrates the best and funniest children’s books in the UK and Ireland, voted for by children.
Free curated book boxes offered to state primary and community libraries.
Ten young writers age 8-12 have the chance to have their stories and poems included in world-changing collection
Thomas Flintham’s 'Press Start! Game On, Super Rabbit Boy!' wins first place in the Children’s Book Award 2024.
Announcing the shortlist for the information book award 2024.
The #ChampionsForChildren campaign is designed to address low literacy rates across London.
The annual ‘What Kids Are Reading Report’, shows a 4.4% year-on-year decrease in the number of books being read by children from Year 1 to Year 11.
Inaugural national event Michael Rosen Day to take place on Tuesday 12th November 2024
Research seeking school library workers who have been challenged about library’s choice of library books, displays or activities
School libraries and librarians celebrated for igniting children's love of reading.
Engage pupils and develop reading for pleasure through non-fiction, natural curiosity and a touch of competitive spirit.
The prize is awarded to the most promising and exciting newcomer to children’s picture book illustration.
The prize celebrates the UK and Ireland’s favourite graphic novels.
The Enterprise of the Year Award, running since 2022, celebrates one-off or progressive projects which contribute towards reading and literacy in schools.
Shortlist announced for the UK’s leading award for published poetry for children.
The award champions both authors and illustrators of highly illustrated children’s fiction.
The award celebrates the best illustrated book for young children and the importance of reading with children.
Libraries for Primaries aims to ensure that every primary school in the UK has a library or dedicated reading space by 2028.
Children aged between 6 -11 are encouraged to enter for FREE a story or comic written in a language of their choice
The award is given annually to the author and editor of the year’s outstanding debut novel for children.
Thanks to Sponsorship from ALCS.
Celebrating the best information books of the last year, and applications for the IBA Book Club are now open
The festival runs from Thursday 13th to Sunday 16th June, in its spiritual home of Melrose’s Harmony Garden, in the idyllic Scottish Borders.
A perfect transition activity for Year 6s moving to Year 7.
Your weekly round-up of all the exciting events not to be missed this week
A Year 11 student from Liverpool has been named UK Pupil Library Assistant of the Year.
Take part in the social media photo relay on designed to celebrate and promote great young adult LGBTQ+ literature during pride month.
The BooksForTopics team has published the 2024 Reading for Pleasure booklists for each primary year group.
Enter for free to help pupils learn how to write and publish their own books.
The Europe Challenge writing competition are now accepting written submissions under the following title: How a Library Changed My Life.
Join this free webinar to find out more about the Book Club and how your library can get involved.
New CEO to lead the organisation as they deliver their five-year strategy and ‘We Are CILIP’ action plan.
Enter one of the world’s foremost writing competitions for poets aged 11-17 for free before 31st July 2024
Sponsored by LoveReading4Kids and Reading Cloud, the UKLA Book Awards are the only children's book awards judged by teachers.
The Young Walter Scott Prize is open to young writers aged 11-19 who are invited to submit a short story set in a time before they were born.
Launch of free School Library CPD Programme to run throughout Spring and Summer 2024.
Winners named of award for children’s books that strengthen young people's connection with nature and fosters action for the planet.
The awards celebrate the very best of children's literature from Wales and about Wales.
The UK’s longest running book awards for children and young people have announced their 2024 shortlists at the London Book Fair.
Thanks to generous sponsorship, we're delighted to be able to offer a number of free tickets to our 2024 Weekend Course
The competition is free to enter for young people aged between seven and 18 from all over the world and is open to all media formats.
The winners of the UK’s most successful children’s writing competition, 500 Words, have been unveiled in a special episode of The One Show
Oxford University Press has analysed the language used in nearly 44,000 creative writing stories submitted by children across the UK to the BBC 500 Words competition.
The Women’s Prize for Fiction champions ambitious, inspiring and thought-provoking novels written by women in English.
The Children’s Book Award 2024 shortlist has been announced, with children choosing their favourite books from the last year.
A post about recent changes to the SLA Trustees.
Free enrichment programme for state secondary schools consisting of a full-day public speaking workshop
50 young literary talents were invited to an exclusive reception hosted by The Queen
50 young finalists of the UK's most celebrated children's writing competition announced for Grand Final, taking place at Buckingham Palace.
Barnes Children's Literature Festival launches London Primary Schools Programme, offering over 15,000 free places to state maintained primary schools
Free schools programme to open the spring edition in Hay-on-Wye between 23rd May and 2 June.
Celebrate iconic and debut authors, panel discussions, workshops, Q&As, book signings and more.
Celebrating the most exciting newcomers to picture book illustration
Young people are invited to write a short story, or a poem, or a set of song lyrics
Pupils nominated by their school librarians for their outstanding work in the school library
65 books for 3-16-year-olds, chosen for their empathy-building power
Lewis Hancox Wins the 2024 Bristol Teen Book Award
A toolkit to help libraries imagine possible future uses of their spaces
UK’s joyful celebration of new poetry for children, announces this year’s award judges and plans
Competition from LEGO and The Day seeks to reward students’ most innovative ideas
SLA CEO writes letter to Minister for Schools stressing the vital benefits of school libraries and the valuable work of school library staff
Celebrating outstanding writing by great authors living in the UK and Ireland.
Take part in a short survey on promoting diversity and inclusion in secondary school libraries
Submit a description of your The Masked Singer character and have it brought to life in illustration by Rob Biddulph
The bookshop will be run by multi award-winning children’s author/illustrator, Frann Preston Gannon, with business partner, Anja Stobbart.
Three education charities have joined forces to launch a free online wellbeing toolkit designed to support children’s mental wellbeing and boost resilience.
The award aims "for mainstream children’s books to be inclusive, and for inclusive children’s books to be mainstream".
Exciting events, activities and partnerships will encourage more children to enjoy reading, however they choose to!
Julia Donaldson has thrown her support behind the campaign, which is a joint initiative of the School Library Association, the Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals and the CILIP School Libraries Group.
The highlights from our 2023 Winter issue of TSL.
Why it's okay to ruin the surprise
Find out what you need to do to get the most out of the new SLA website.
Receive a mix of brand new picture books, early readers, and middle grade titles to read and review as part of The Reading Agency's 2024 Readers' Panel
The annual CLPE Reflecting Realities report indicates that 30% of the children’s picturebooks, fiction and non-fiction titles published in 2022 featured racially minoritised characters.
Announcing the Judges' Choice and Children's Choice winners of the Information Book Award 2023.
Calling all publishers! Information Book Award 2024 entries are now open.
Write-up of SLA research day that shared the latest developments in school libraries from across the sector, by SLA member
Get your tickets now for the 2023 IBBY Conference, Pages of Power and Protest: Children's Literature and Politics
The BBC 500 Words writing competition are currently taking applications to be a competition judge.
Waterstones Children’s Laureate, Joseph Coelho, has joined 213 libraries as part of his cross-country mission.
Scottish Book Trust undertakes independent research into the value and impact of public and school libraries in Scotland.
Guest Blog from Nicki Cleveland, HLTA & School Librarian at Cannon Park Primary School
BBC's 500 Words competition is back for 2023
Farshore Share New Findings From ‘Storytime in Schools’ Research Study
World Book Day reveals 15 2024 £1 books to encourage the joy of reading.
NLT Research into Children and Young People’s Reading
Announcing the 2023 SLA Award Winners
The Department for Education has released a Reading Framework - July 2023 which brings the whole reading process together.
The School Library Association announces the Information Book Award shortlist for 2023
Helping schools that are just starting on their wellbeing measurement journey
American author Laurie Halse Anderson has been announced as the winner of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award.
Award-winning author-illustrator Steve Antony becomes SLA School Libraries Champion.
Due to generous sponsorship from ALCS Meet the Creator is back and now more accessible than ever.
The SLA staff share their experiences of visiting member schools across the UK
Oxford Children’s Word of the Year for 2022 revealed, expressing overwhelming sadness at loss of Queen but remain hopeful about year ahead
Find out the winners of the Judges Choice and Children's Choice Awards in the 2022 IBA.
The winners of the 2022 Primary and Secondary School Librarian of the Year, Enterprise of the Year and Community Awards were announced at a Swindon awards ceremony.
Joint statement from CILIP, CILIP SLG and SLA on Censorship and Intellectual Freedom in School Libraries.
In this blog, Sue Bastone, Chair of the Trustees, discusses our strategy and our plans for the future.
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The SLA are delighted to announce that Kristabelle Williams of Addey & Stanhope School, a voluntary aided state secondary in inner South East London, has been awarded the honour of School Librarian of the Year 2020/21.
The winners for the 2020 SLA Information Book Award were announced at a virtual ceremony on 5th November 2020.
Winners of the 2019 Information Book Award are announced
School Librarian of the Year 2019 winner is announced as Ros Harding.