We're delighted to announce the incredible 2025 winners of the 12th annual Pupil Library Assistant of the Year Awards, celebrated at a ceremony in London this week. The Pupil Library Assistant Awards, organised by the School Library Association and CILIP School Libraries Group (SLG), recognises the extraordinary contributions made by pupils who volunteer in their school libraries.
This year's awards, sponsored by Authors Aloud and Pearson, celebrated eleven finalists, with Darcie Farrell from Rotherfield Primary School and Micah Ashford from Oaks Park High School being named as the primary and secondary school winners.
Commenting on her win, Darcie, who is in Year 5, highlighted how many children and young people gravitate towards the safe space of their school library, finding support and encouragement there that can be essential to a sense of wellbeing at school:
"I enjoy working in the library because we get to spend to time with little kids helping them to read. Also, I get to do something I like with all of my friends who are also in the library team. The library is important to the children at Rotherfield because we have some children who don’t like loud noises and the library is quiet and peaceful and they can come and read in peace. It is a safe space for everyone. It has helped children who don’t have books at home to read. The library team has helped young children learn to read and helped them love reading."
Secondary winner Micah Ashford also emphasised the importance of the school library as a place to build connections, confidence and communication skills: "I love working in the library because it allows me to access lots of knowledge and books, to meet new people and to connect with them and that's very important because it develops friendship, kindness and compassion."
Comedian and author Russell Kane presented the awards, with a heartfelt speech on the transformative power of libraries - expressing his unequivocal support for school libraries and the positive influence they have on education outcomes for all children and young people.
Hearing about the inspiring work done by all the 2025 finalists reinforced how volunteering opportunities within the school library can provide students with valuable skills, increased self-esteem and a sense of belonging in school, as well as encouraging wider engagement with reading amongst their peer groups.
Victoria Dilly, CEO of the SLA said: "The Pupil Library Assistant Awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the ways in which children and young people can develop confidence through the school library, and to honour the guidance given to pupils by school librarians and teaching staff. We know that school libraries positively impact reading enjoyment and attitudes towards reading, and it's clear from the PLAA finalists that libraries also have the power to increase self-esteem and improve social and personal attainment.
Regular access to books is essential in developing a reading habit and for many young people this access is only available in school. Knowing there are imaginative young advocates for reading like the finalists celebrated here today is hugely uplifting for all of us who work to create supportive, engaging and inclusive reading communities in schools.”
That Pupil Librarian programmes are a fundamental part of many schools being able to deliver their library provision effectively also shines a spotlight on the need to invest in staffing and resources for school libraries, so the whole school community can benefit from them.
As Russell Kane said: "Reading unlocks so many opportunities, not only helping to achieve better school results, but also supporting wellbeing and empathy. Having a haven at school that gives you the chance to fall in love with reading can’t be taken for granted, so we all need to champion school libraries and the superstars that work in them.”
The School Library Association supports all those responsible for school libraries through advice, training and advocacy. Find out more about how we can help your school maximise the impact of your school library provision through SLA membership.