Release date: 20 March 2026
West Sussex County Council’s Library Service has won the regional round of The British Book Awards 2026 Library of the Year in recognition of its year-long campaign to celebrate 100 years of libraries serving communities across the county.
The accolade means the service is now in the running for the national Library of the Year trophy, to be announced at a special ceremony in London this May.
The judging panel were impressed by the Virtual Reality experience specially commissioned to mark the library service birthday, along with the fantastic range of events that happened across the county throughout 2025.
This regional award is a great boost for West Sussex libraries as they ‘Go All In’ to participate in the National Year of Reading 2026, a UK-wide campaign designed to help more people discover or rediscover a love of reading.
In West Sussex there will be author talks, a ‘My Year of Reading’ challenge, and lots of opportunities for people to access the tens of thousands of books, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, and eBooks that are available.
Find out more about what’s happening this year: https://libraries.westsussex.gov.uk/national-year-of-reading.
Meanwhile, the service has launched a new document called ‘Libraries at the heart of our communities’, which highlights the many benefits the 36 libraries in West Sussex can offer residents.
Councillor Duncan Crow, Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, said: “Whatever your passion in life – maybe it’s music, sport, films, or being creative – there’s never been a better time to discover how reading can improve your wellbeing, encourage learning, and provide a huge source of enjoyment.
“Libraries really are at the heart of West Sussex communities and are helping people to fulfil their potential every day – a key priority in Our Council Plan. I hope even more people use them and see the benefits for themselves in this National Year of Reading.
“I’m very proud of the services we’re able to offer and the many benefits this provides to our residents. I’m thrilled that these services have been recognised with the regional win in the Library of the Year award – I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for success in the national final!”
