Awen Libraries, the public library service which is managed by Awen Cultural Trust in partnership with Bridgend County Borough Council, has been named as the Welsh Library of the Year in The British Book Awards 2025.

Together with other regional and country winners – libraries and library authorities from across the UK and Ireland – Awen Libraries are now in the running for the overall Library of the Year crown, which will be awarded at a ceremony in May.

The British Book Awards, which are sponsored by publisher DK and run in association with The Reading Agency, celebrate those who extend beyond the library walls to bring rarely reached communities, adults and children into the world of books.

Awen Libraries was selected for the success of its first-ever 21 Book Challenge, which has encouraged adults to explore new book titles and authors, discover a variety of new genres and expand their reading horizons.

Since its launch in mid-2024, over 600 adults have recorded their reads using a 21 Book Challenge bingo sheet and collected prizes, including bespoke bookmarks, travel mugs, tote bags, tea towels, along the way. The first person to complete the challenge received a hand-crafted wooden bookend.

Richard Hughes, Chief Executive of Awen Cultural Trust, said:

“We are very proud that The British Book Awards’ judging panel have chosen Awen Libraries as their regional and country winner for Wales. This recognition is testament to the ongoing hard work by our library colleagues, who are committed to finding new and innovative ways of engaging with people within our local communities who may not regularly read for pleasure or visit our libraries.

“When we launched the challenge, which was kindly supported by UK Government funding in partnership with Bridgend County Borough Council, we hoped, but certainly didn’t expect so many people to get involved. We have been delighted by how many of these have told us how enjoyable they have found the experience of reading books they would not have usually picked up.

“I would like to personally congratulate my library colleagues on this award and thank them for encouraging so many people to participate in the 21 Book Challenge. The high calibre of the finalists from across the UK and Ireland shows how hard libraries and library services are continuing to work as cornerstones of their communities.”

Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council, Cllr John Spanswick, said: “What a tremendous accolade to have received Welsh Library of the Year in the British Book Awards 2025, and now to be in the running for the pinnacle of the awards, the title of Library of the Year.

Reaching out to the community in a bid to expand and develop their reading habits is no easy feat.  However, the success of the 21 Book Challenge demonstrates the innovation, creativity and dedication of library staff across the county borough.

The number of residents involved in the challenge also highlights how libraries continue to be one of the foundations of a community, with people being receptive to engage and come together, using reading and their local libraries as a means to do this.

“We look forward to learning who will claim the winning title, as all of the applicants are phenomenal.  Well done to everyone involved!”

Philip Jones, editor The Bookseller and chair of the judges for The British Book Awards, said:

“I’ve loved every minute of the Library of the Year award so far, from the planning to the launch, and now selecting these ten winners. That there are joint-winners, and four high commendations speaks to the tough decisions the judges had to make. It’s the libraries and library authorities that do the hard work though, we are just there to support them, and amplify what they do to encourage and develop readers and reading.”

Karen Napier MBE, CEO, The Reading Agency said:

“This year’s applications for Library of the Year have been exceptional, showcasing the ingenuity and innovation which libraries harness every day to reach new audiences. However, the regional and country winners stood out for their creativity and impact. From large-scale authority-wide events, programming with diverse local partners, to careful and targeted initiatives like a book club for adults with Down syndrome, these winners exemplify the power of libraries to engage communities in meaningful ways. As community anchor organisations, the crucial role of libraries’ local partners in delivering these activities shone through, and the shortlisted libraries showed what the lasting legacy of their projects would look like locally.”