Library services across Scotland have been rewarded for their outstanding contribution to their communities in the 2025 Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) Awards.
The annual awards, judged by an independent panel led by SLIC Chair Alan Clarke, alongside education journalist Garrett Baylor Stell, and Scottish author and presenter Helen Cross, celebrate library teams and projects that have enhanced learning, wellbeing and community engagement through pioneering staff-driven initiatives.
This year’s winners, announced at the SLIC Showcase and AGM yesterday (Friday 31 October), reflect the creativity, inclusivity and social impact of our library services. From innovative literacy projects to inclusive community hubs, this year’s winners showcase how libraries are evolving to meet local needs, spark creativity and improve wellbeing.
Aberdeenshire’s HMP Grampian Prison Library team were named Library Team of the Year, receiving the top award for their progressive Foreign Language Prison Phrase Book project.
Working collaboratively with prison staff and inmates, the team created a practical resource to break down language barriers, improve understanding, enhance safety and promote inclusion across the prison community. Inmates were directly involved in the phrase book’s development, fostering ownership, cultural awareness and mutual respect.
Through effective communication, feedback and iterative testing, the team refined the resource to ensure accessibility and real-world impact. The phrase book has reduced misunderstandings, strengthened relationships and improved day to day interactions within the prison environment. Setting a new benchmark for inclusive, user-led service design, the project’s success has led to adoption across the Scottish Prison Service, demonstrating the project’s scalability and sector-wide value.
Judge Helen Cross commented: “A unique and inspiring project delivered to make a difference to everyone, with inclusivity at its heart, demonstrating that open communication can break down barriers and help bring about and progress positive change.”
The East Lothian Libraries team were highly commended in the category, recognised for their integrated approach across 12 public libraries and seven secondary schools.
Despite budget pressures, the team maintained high quality services and delivered a range of community initiatives, from dementia-friendly groups and digital inclusion sessions to gardening clubs and family learning cafés.
Their literacy strategies, Reading Schools accreditation and bespoke school library policies have positioned the libraries as trusted hubs for learning, wellbeing and resilience.
In the Library Project Excellence category, South Ayrshire Libraries took home the title for the Girvan Library Lend + Mend project, recognised for the outstanding delivery of a new permanent community hub for borrowing, repairing and upcycling resources, alongside a major library relocation.
The project balanced the challenge of moving premises while maintaining services and community engagement, with staff leading a seamless transition that expanded opportunities for learning, encouraged sustainable practices and increased social connection through free classes, volunteer-led workshops and intergenerational activities.
Expanding the service, the new Lending Collection also allows users to borrow high-cost DIY resources, such as power tools and wallpaper strippers at no cost, helping households save money, build practical skills and see the library as far more than a place for books.
Since reopening, Girvan Library has seen significant increases in footfall, the formation of new community groups and a lasting impact on wellbeing and inclusion, positioning it as a model of innovation, sustainability and resilience in library service delivery.
Judge Garrett Baylor Stell praised the project, saying: “Innovative and clear in its initial goal, the project showed the service’s ability and willingness to continue to add and expand to what is on offer.
“Keeping a similar approach and philosophy, the lending of tools meets a similar need but greatly expands the service.”
Glasgow Women’s Library were highly commended in the category for its Opening the Door: Celebrating Literacy, Celebrating Literature project which highlighted adult literacy and numeracy (ALN) learners, integrating the Keys to My Mind exhibition and film with creative workshops.
The project celebrated learners’ achievements, boosted confidence and wellbeing, and broadened participation in the Open the Door Festival, while partnerships with writers, artists and learners helped create an inclusive, nationally recognised model of library practice.
SLIC Chair Alan Clarke added: “The SLIC Awards celebrate the remarkable work of library teams and projects across Scotland. This year’s winners and highly commended entries demonstrate innovation, inclusivity and lasting social impact.
“Libraries continue to evolve, responding directly to the needs of their communities, and it’s inspiring to see the difference they make in learning, wellbeing and community connection.”
The SLIC Awards are open to all SLIC members, including public, further education, higher education and specialist libraries across Scotland.
The winners received a trophy and cash prize in recognition of their outstanding achievements in library service delivery and project innovation.
For more information, visit: scottishlibraries.org/funding/the-slic-awards/
