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Celebrating Library Innovation: 2025 David Vaisey Awards Shortlist Announced

School and Public Libraries Shone at the Llantony Secunda Priory Event.

The 2025 David Vaisey Award shortlist was unveiled at a lively event at Llantony Secunda Priory, Gloucester. It marked the second time both school and public libraries were 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.

The 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:

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./li>
Quedgeley, Tuffley and Matson Library – Launching the Library Adventure League, blending gaming and books to build an inclusive, welcoming space.

Photo – Staff from the shortlisted Gloucestershire Libraries