Library service awarded for 'community cohesion'

A library service which has welcomed families from Afghanistan and supported "community cohesion" has been crowned South West Library of the Year.

Cornwall Libraries, which look after all of the county's libraries owned by Cornwall Council, won the regional accolade at the British Book Awards 2026.

It was praised for its "library alchemy projects" which welcomed the Afghan families to the county who had arrived as part of a national resettlement scheme.

Judges said the team "engaged both the families and the wider community" as well as encouraged residents to be "welcoming, and highlighting the vital role the library can play in supporting community integration".

Organisers said the awards celebrated libraries which "engage communities in meaningful, lasting ways, through thoughtful collaboration and innovation".

The British Book Awards, also known as The Nibbies, is run by The Bookseller magazine.

It said eight libraries and library authorities from across the UK and Ireland were crowned regional and country winners, with the overall winner announced at the British Book Awards ceremony in London on 11 May.

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