The SLA runs and supports multiple awards. These awards celebrate the breadth and depth of the impact made by school libraries on their school communities across the UK. The awards we run are important in raising awareness and attaining recognition for the school library sector.

The School Library Association annual awards rely entirely on sponsor funding and we are grateful to all our sponsors, past and present, without whom these awards would not be possible.

The shortlists for the 2026 Secondary School Librarian of the Year sponsored by Bloomsbury Publishing and Peter Usborne Primary School Library of the Year will be announced in September 2026.

I am so happy that I was nominated. My school is incredibly proud of this achievement and the library is at the core of all of our learning. Every school should take part and shout loudly about their excellent work in encouraging all pupils to be great library users." 

So pleased that the SLA shared the work so we knew it was all possible!"


Awards News

  

Bloomsbury Publishing announced as SLYA Sponsor

Posted on 13/04/2026
Bloomsbury Publishing has come on board as sponsor of the Secondary School Librarian of the Year Award
  

Information Book Award: Announcing the 2026 Shortlist

Posted on 22/01/2026
Announcing the IBA shortlist and new sponsorship from DK, the UK’s number one children’s non-fiction publisher

Secondary School Librarian of the Year sponsored by Bloomsbury Publishing

The Secondary School Librarian of the Year Award sponsored by Bloomsbury Publishing is the SLA's flagship award. It recognises the excellent work that is carried out in secondary school libraries every day.

Peter Usborne Primary School Library of the Year

The Peter Usborne Primary School Library of the Year Award recognises teams that works together to ensure their school library positively impacts all the pupils in their primary school. This award recognises the whole team rather than one individual.

Barrington Stoke Reader of the Year

New for 2026, the Barrington Stoke Reader of the Year Award recognises Year 7 and 8 pupils who have overcome personal barriers or challenges to become enthusiastic readers. This award recognises engagement and determination over academic attainment.

Information Book Award

The Information Book Award supports school librarians celebrate the value of information books available for children and young people. The award is sponsored by DK.

These Awards highlight the importance of school libraries and the incredible staff that work within them. School libraries provide precious and all-important opportunities to help children discover and sustain a love of reading, as well as supporting their personal and academic development. — Victoria Dilly, SLA CEO

Pupil Library Assistant

The Pupil Library Assistant of the Year celebrates pupils who go above and beyond in their school library. The award is organised by Trustees from the SLA with CILIP SLG. It is managed by a steering committee and judged by a separate panel of judges.