In 2026, Bloomsbury Publishing, one of the world's leading independent publishers, joined the Secondary School Librarian of the Year Award as sponsor.

 

 

 

This year marks the 21st anniversary of the School Librarian of the Year Award. Organised by the SLA each year, the celebrated award has become a cornerstone of recognition for secondary school library staff who dedicate themselves to promoting literacy, imagination, discovery and learning. 

The award winner will be announced at a ceremony in November, where we will also celebrate the Peter Usborne Primary School Library of the Year Award and the Barrington Stoke Reader of the Year Award.

The Secondary School Librarian of the Year Award sponsored by Bloomsbury Publishing highlights the achievements of staff who put reading at the heart of students' education and support learning throughout the whole school community. 

Latest News

Bloomsbury Publishing announced as SLYA Sponsor

Bloomsbury Publishing has come on board as sponsor of the Secondary School Librarian of the Year Award

Winners Gallery

SLYA 2026 Key Dates

  • Shortlist announcement will be made in September 2026

  • The award winner will be announced at a ceremony at The Story Museum, Oxford in November 2026

The Award

The aim of this award is to raise the profile of school librarians so that everyone can understand the value of what they do and become school library supporters. Originally proposed by the late author and educator Aidan Chambers, during his tenure as President of the SLA, the School Librarian of the Year Award was born from Aidan's conviction that "the library can, and should, be the cultural and educational heart of a school." As our flagship award, the SLYA has now championed that vision for over two decades.

Sponsorship

The Secondary School Librarian of the Year Award is sponsored by Bloomsbury Publishing.

Nigel Newton, Founder and Chief Executive of Bloomsbury Publishing, said: “School librarians are essential guides in unlocking the potential of every child. At Bloomsbury, we not only  publish books for children and teenagers but also educational and professional resources for librarians. We’re delighted to honour their dedication through our sponsorship of the School Librarian of the Year Award.”

Librarian Interview

ReadingZone spoke with 2025 winner, Julie Broadbent to find out a little more about her work across the school library, what impressed the judges, and the initiatives that she feels have had the most impact on the students.

Read More

The amazing thing about the school library is that for every single child who walks through the door, I can turn to them and say: 'I’ve got something just for you!'. 

Meet 2025 Secondary School Librarian of the Year, Julie Broadbent

 
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