Barnstaple Library has been selected as a South-West England Regional & Country Finalist for the Library of the Year. If Barnstaple wins this regional title, it would mean the Devon library would be in the running for Library of the Year at The British Book Awards 2026.
Last year, Braunton Library was crowned South-West England’s Library of the Year. This year, only Barnstaple Library and Cornwall Libraries are up for the award in the South-West.
Barnstaple Library has become a vital hub for thousands of residents in one of Devon’s most deprived areas. With around 170,000 annual visits and almost 700 events every year, the library is a space for connection, creativity, and support.
The Barnstaple Library team have responded to the cost-of-living crisis by reimagining the library as a home-from-home. Introducing cosy seating, charging points, warm lighting and more. Securing external funding in excess of £50,000 to expand their community and wellbeing initiatives.
The library has offered free weekly soup sessions as part of Warm Welcome Spaces, free family breakfasts during school holidays to support families with rising costs, and established itself as a trusted venue for vulnerable groups like those experiencing homelessness, isolation or domestic abuse.
Through partnerships with local organisations like Pathfields SEN School, and workshops, events and groups ranging from the creative and artistic, such as participating in the national Arts Council England and DCMS project, Our Freedom: Then and Now, to the practical and connection-building like Wednesday Wanderers. The library is working to meet the needs of its community.
Alex Kittow, Chief Executive Officer at Libraries Unlimited, shared: “We are incredibly proud to have Barnstaple Library receive this recognition. The team works so hard to create a safe, welcoming space for the local community, and they truly champion people’s well-being in everything they do. It’s so inspiring to see the care, heart, and pride the staff take in creating a library that serves and enriches its community.”
Libraries Unlimited is the charity responsible for running 54 libraries in Devon and Torbay, including Barnstaple Library.
The British Book Awards are run by The Bookseller magazine, sponsored by DK Books in association with The Reading Agency.
The Library of the Year Regional & Country Winners will be announced on 12th March 2026. The winners will then form the shortlist for the Library of the Year Award.
