The David Vaisey Trust, a registered charity supported entirely by voluntary contributions, administers annual Awards that recognise and reward outstanding initiatives by Gloucestershire public and school libraries – initiatives that result in more people reading more books. Equally important are the wider social benefits, not least in terms of improved literacy, that the Trust’s activities bring. Click here for details of how to contribute to this worthy cause.
Celebrating Library Innovation: 2025 David Vaisey Awards Shortlist Announced
School and Public Libraries Shine at Llantony Secunda Priory Event
The 2025 David Vaisey Award shortlist has been unveiled at a lively event at Llantony Secunda Priory, Gloucester. This year marks the second time both school and public libraries are recognised, thanks to the award’s expanded scope, made possible by the generosity of its funders. Chair of Trustees, Debby Thacker, highlighted the vital work librarians do to promote reading, especially in the face of dwindling funding. She also paid tribute to David Vaisey, who died earlier in the year, as well as Anne Careless, library manager, and previous award winner, from Tewkesbury.
Giving the keynote speech, new judge Peter Hunt, Emeritus Professor of Children’s Literature at Cardiff University, set an optimistic tone. While acknowledging tough times for libraries, he celebrated strong book sales, an increasing number of initiatives aimed at supporting reading and, as was evident in the room, a cohort of cheerful and enthusiastic librarians who have taken individual responsibility to tackle these challenges creatively. The David Vaisey Awards recognise this work, and Peter was pleased to introduce the first of two speakers, past award winners, to give their insight into the impact the awards had had on their libraries.
Maggie Jones from Dene Magna School described how their win spurred targeted reading support and mentorship, boosting confidence and spreading a culture of reading. Andy Heyhoe of Gloucestershire Libraries detailed a successful five day Family Festival, made possible by award funding, that drew in new library users from underrepresented communities, and which will return this year due to its popularity.
This year’s applications were outstanding.
Shortlisted school libraries were:
- Farmors School – Book clubs and school trips linked with library events.
- Kingswood Primary School – Library renovation using recycled materials and community support.
- Severnbanks Primary School– Dedicated reading area with audiobooks, in partnership with parents and local schools.
- Tredworth Infant and Nursery Academy– Bilingual books and community-led story sessions for its multilingual pupils.
Shortlisted public libraries were:
Photo – Staff from the shortlisted Gloucestershire Libraries
- Coleford Library– Creating a library in the new Forest of Dean Community Hospital, focused on supporting older adults and those living with dementia
- Oakley Interactive Space– Expanding community engagement with the library through book clubs, storytelling, and borrow boxes for all ages.
- Quedgeley, Tuffley and Matson Library – Launching the Library Adventure League, blending gaming and books to build an inclusive, welcoming space.
For photographs, information about the Charity and queries, please contact Pat Lipinski, Administrator and Secretary to the Trustees: vaiseyawards@gmail.com.
