School Library Association Announces Honours Lists for Annual Awards
The School Library Association (SLA) has revealed the honours lists for its prestigious annual awards, including the Secondary School Librarian of the Year Award, the Peter Usborne Primary School Library of the Year Award, and the Enterprise Award. The announcement was made on Monday, July 14, 2025.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the flagship School Librarian of the Year Award, which was initially proposed by the late author and educator Aidan Chambers during his tenure as President of the SLA. According to Chambers, the library should be the cultural and educational heart of a school, and the success of this relies on the skill, book knowledge, and energy of the librarian. The School Librarian of the Year Award was established to raise the status of school librarians and continues to be given annually.
Sponsored by Browns Books, the Secondary School Librarian of the Year Award recognizes the achievements of staff who prioritize reading and support learning throughout the entire school community. The 2025 shortlist features three dedicated librarians who have each implemented innovative methods to foster a reading culture within their schools. These librarians have demonstrated excellence in various areas, including curriculum support, collaborative working, and developing pupil-centered programs that extend enthusiasm for books and reading beyond the library walls.
Clare Smith, Sales Director at Browns Books, expressed her congratulations to the exceptional finalists and stated that the company is proud to sponsor the inspiring award. Smith also emphasized the importance of recognizing school librarians who empower students through literacy, learning, and a love of reading.
The Peter Usborne Primary School Library of the Year Award acknowledges a team effort in ensuring that the school library positively impacts all students in a primary school. This award is sponsored by Usborne, in continuation of founder Peter Usborne’s lifetime commitment to supporting literacy. The shortlist of three primary school libraries in Birmingham, Bristol, and Northampton showcases how dedicated librarians, strong leadership support, and community engagement can transform library spaces into vibrant hubs that elevate reading culture, engage pupils, and create measurable impact.
Nicola Usborne, Managing Director of Usborne, expressed her pleasure in reading about the fantastic school communities across the country that are working tirelessly to ensure their libraries have a positive impact. Usborne also recognized the passion shown by the three shortlisted primary libraries and stated that it is an inspiration to everyone.
The Enterprise of the Year Award celebrates one-off or progressive projects that contribute to reading and literacy in schools. This award is sponsored by Reading Cloud and shortlists three inspiring projects that highlight imaginative approaches to library development and the importance of community engagement.
Ricky Nelson, Head of Customer Engagement at Reading Cloud, congratulated the finalists for their hard work and dedication to making reading a priority in their schools. Nelson also mentioned that the projects showcased by the finalists demonstrate the incredible work they are doing to raise the profile of reading in their schools.
Victoria Dilly, CEO of the SLA, emphasized the importance of these awards in advocating for school libraries and showcasing their transformative impact on children and young people’s lives. Dilly also stated that these awards serve as a platform to demonstrate why investment in school library provision and talented librarians is essential.
The award ceremony for Secondary School Librarian of the Year, Peter Usborne Primary Library of the Year, and Enterprise of the Year Awards will take place at the British Library in London on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Guests from the industry, press, and member school librarians will be invited by the SLA and will also have the opportunity to join an exclusive viewing of the exhibition, “Secret Maps,” which will run from October 24, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
“Secret Maps” explores the relationship between mapping and secrecy from the 14th to 21st centuries. It showcases how maps have been used by governments, armies, businesses, organizations, communities, and individuals to withhold various types of spatial knowledge.
The shortlist for each award is as follows:
Secondary School Librarian of the Year Award:
– Jill Fenton, Cheney School, Headington (Oxfordshire)
– Julie Broadbent, Northampton International Academy, Northampton
– Gareth Evans, Abbeyfield School, Chippenham (Wiltshire)
Judges’ comments:
Jill Fenton has implemented a structured approach to both Reading for Pleasure and Research Skills and has equipped the library with the necessary resources to meet the needs of students and staff.
Julie Broadbent has collaborated with the local Public Library and the University of Northampton to maximize reading for pleasure and study skills opportunities for a large number of students across primary and secondary phases.
Gareth Evans has built a strong and vibrant Learning Resource Center (LRC) at Abbeyfield School over the past eight years. He has created a curated program of library lessons that complement the English curriculum throughout Key Stage 3 and has
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