Three south east London libraries have been nominated for Library of the Year at the British Book Awards.
St Paul’s Cray Library, Eltham Centre Library and Lewisham Libraries have all been selected as regional finalists for London at the 35th anniversary of the ceremony, organised by The Bookseller magazine.
Philip Jones, editor of The Bookseller and chair of the judges for The British Book Awards explained what makes a library a standout contender.
He said: “We’re looking for libraries which go the extra mile promoting reading and promoting book lending.
“Local libraries are sometimes a neglected plank in the overall environment around reading so it’s important to support them.”
Only a quarter of people used an in-person public library service in the past year, a 2024 survey by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found, compared to half in 2006.
A report published last year by the BBC described public libraries as being in “crisis”, with more than 180 council-run libraries in the UK either closed or handed over to volunteers since 2016 due to a lack of funding.
Whilst these statistics highlight a decline in the use and availability of libraries in the 21st Century, these three south east London branches are doing as much as they can to provide individuals with invaluable facilities and resources.
Sally Adcock, head of Bromley Libraries, which incorporates St Paul’s Cray, said: “Visitor numbers have more than doubled in 2024.”
This has been made possible by a recent increase in funding for London libraries, which has improved services as well as outreach programmes.
St Paul’s Cray Library offers a range of activities for both children and adults, working with charities such as Mencap to create reading groups for individuals with learning disabilities.
Thu Huong Flynn, manager at St Paul’s Cray Library, said it was important to support local libraries because they provide a “hub for the community”.
Eltham Centre Library similarly runs a variety of programmes, including craft classes, story-time sessions for schoolchildren, and guest speaker talks.
Lewisham Libraries, a network of council-run libraries in the borough, does also go that extra mile by offering a home library service that delivers books to those who are physically unable to visit the library in person.
Vicky Card, from the Lewisham Libraries team emphasised: “We’re here for everyone.”
These three south east London libraries make up a portion of the 36 finalists for the Library of the Year award which have been selected from nine regions across the UK and Ireland.
One final nominee is to be selected from each of the regions on 12 March, with the overall winner announced on 12 May.
Recognising the selfless work these libraries do to create inclusive, safe spaces for all is vital.
As Paul Kelly, the CEO of the award sponsor DK, aptly put it, these libraries are not simply places to borrow books.
So, if you find yourself mourning the end of award season with the Oscars this Sunday, dive into the drama of the British Book Awards and show support for local libraries.
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