Buckby Library & Hub

“We are absolutely delighted to receive this Health and Wellbeing Award. At Buckby Library & Hub, we pride ourselves on bringing people together and creating a friendly space where everyone is supported and valued. This recognition celebrates the dedication of our amazing volunteers and the strength of our community partnerships. We are so proud to champion health, happiness, and wellbeing for all who walk through our doors and are thrilled to share this recognition with everyone in our wonderful community.”

Buckby Library & Hub (BL&H) is a cherished, volunteer-run charity at the heart of Long Buckby and its surrounding villages. Serving a community of around 5,000, BL&H is far more than a library, It’s a vital wellbeing hub offering connection, comfort, and community.

With over 50 dedicated volunteers, BL&H delivers a wide range of inclusive services and events that support mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. From warm spaces and social prescribing to art groups, walking clubs, and digital support, every initiative is designed to reduce isolation and foster belonging.

Key highlights include:

• Warm Space & Winter Support with free hot drinks and companionship
• Chatty Café and Wellbeing Groups promoting mental health
• Support for parents, neurodiverse individuals, and those with pelvic health needs
• Creative and social activities like Art for Wellness, Knit and Natter, and film nights
• Health access partnerships with local GPs and community health services

Volunteering itself is a cornerstone of BL&H’s impact, keeping older residents active and connected. Whether through a cuppa, a conversation, or a community event, BL&H proves that small acts of kindness can transform lives.

This award celebrates BL&H’s holistic, low-barrier approach to community wellbeing — powered by volunteers, rooted in compassion, and making a big difference every day.

Pinchbeck Community Hub & Library

“Our volunteers are delighted to have been selected for this award. Helping people who visit our Community Hub and Library to stay fit and healthy is so important. Over the past year we have worked closely with a wide number of partners including local charities, small businesses, the NHS and the Local Authority to achieve this.”

The Hub in Pinchbeck has become a vital community anchor, championing health and wellbeing through innovative, place-based services. Led by a dedicated Parish Councillor and a team of passionate volunteers, The Hub has made remarkable strides in bringing care closer to home, aligning with the NHS 10-Year Strategy to shift services from hospitals into the heart of communities.

Building on their 2024 successes, The Hub has delivered a wide range of impactful initiatives:

• Community Mental Health Clinics: In partnership with Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, regular outpatient clinics have been relocated from hospital settings to The Hub. This has improved access, reduced stigma, and encouraged community engagement — all while generating income through room hire.
• Trips & Falls Prevention: A creative and comprehensive campaign included concerts, ‘sloppy slipper’ swaps, and a pioneering NHS-funded research project on wearable trip detectors. Collaborations with Age Concern and local health bodies brought in over £15,000 in funding and in-kind support.
• Good Mood Café: In partnership with MIND, this weekly drop-in offers informal mental health support in a welcoming environment, with refreshments and trained staff on hand to help.
• British Sign Language Courses: Responding to local demand, The Hub launched popular six-week BSL courses, enhancing communication and inclusion while generating income.
• Seated Exercise Classes: A Friday morning favourite, these sessions support older residents in staying active and socially connected.
• Reflections Café: A new initiative in partnership with the NHS and St Barnabas, this twice-monthly gathering provides a safe space to discuss end-of-life issues and celebrate life’s meaning.

The Hub’s growing reputation as a trusted health and wellbeing partner has made it a go-to venue for NHS innovation and service delivery. Its volunteer-led model, creative programming, and deep community roots are transforming lives and setting a powerful example of what local libraries and hubs can achieve.

This award recognises The Hub’s outstanding contribution to community health, its collaborative spirit, and its unwavering commitment to making care accessible, inclusive, and compassionate.

Wiveliscombe Community Library

“Access to Arts and Culture is so important, it broadens the mind and can start some great conversations”

Karen Collings, librarian at Wiveliscombe Community Library, is a shining example of dedication, creativity, and community spirit. Known for her warmth, knowledge, and deep connection to the people she serves, Karen has gone above and beyond her role to enrich the cultural life of this small rural town.

In 2025, Karen single-handedly brought to life the Wiveliscombe Literary Festival, an ambitious and inspiring event that showcased a diverse range of writers and welcomed readers of all ages. From coordinating venues and volunteers to managing publicity and ticket sales, Karen’s leadership and determination made the festival a resounding success.

Her commitment to inclusion was evident throughout, with events held in accessible venues and a programme designed to reflect the diversity of the community. She also forged strong partnerships with local organisations, including an independent bookshop and local societies, ensuring the festival was rooted in collaboration and community pride.

Karen’s impact extends far beyond the library walls. Whether organising youth events in her own time or judging the arts section at the local horticultural show, she is a constant source of support and inspiration. Her efforts have helped Wiveliscombe “punch above its weight,” proving that even the smallest towns can achieve great things with passion and perseverance.

The Deepings Community Library

“We are all delighted with our award the Committee and the Volunteers are commited to raising the bar of literacy in our town and village and the surrounding villages – we are ten miles away from everywhere but because of our Library many now say they are only ten miles away from Deepings Library!”

The Deepings Library has become a beacon of literacy and creativity in its community, offering a vibrant, year-round programme that inspires children and families to fall in love with reading.

From the earliest stages of life, the library supports literacy development through its Bumps to Babies, Rhyme Time, and Story Time sessions nurturing a lifelong love of books from infancy through early childhood. Special themed events like Star Wars Day, Harry Potter Day, and Elmer Day bring stories to life and draw in children of all ages.

The library is a proud partner of the District Council’s Arts Team, co-hosting free themed days such as the upcoming Nature Day, which will feature a puppet show and interactive activities for families. These collaborations ensure that cultural enrichment is accessible to all.

A cornerstone of the library’s calendar is the Summer Reading Challenge, which reaches hundreds of local children each year. With school ambassadors promoting the challenge, a festive launch day, and custom-designed reading trackers, the initiative is both fun and impactful. Medals and certificates are even delivered to schools to celebrate young readers’ achievements.

In partnership with the Deepings Literary Festival, the library co-hosts Storyfest,  a joyful weekend of storytelling, music, crafts, and performances by beloved characters, all free for families. Looking ahead to 2026, the library will also host Writers’ Workshops to support aspiring authors of all ages.

Through its inclusive, volunteer-powered approach, The Deepings Library has created a welcoming space where literacy is celebrated, creativity is encouraged, and community thrives. This award recognises their outstanding commitment to making reading fun, accessible, and central to local life.

Wallasey Village Library and Community Centre

“This award inspires us to keep finding new ways to share the joy of reading in our community. The Readathon showed just how powerful books can be in connecting people, and we’re excited to build on that energy for future projects.”

Launched in December 2024, Wallasey Village Library has quickly established itself as a vibrant and innovative Community Managed Library (CML) at the heart of the village. Taking on a major library building following its closure by Wirral Council, the newly formed team wasted no time in making a bold impact.

One of their standout achievements in their first year was the launch of a high-profile “Read-a-thon”, a creative and far-reaching campaign to celebrate books, reading, and the power of community storytelling. The project invited local residents to nominate and read aloud their favourite book passages in the library, with recordings shared widely on social media.

The response was phenomenal. Participants included local residents, community leaders, and high-profile figures such as Dame Angela Eagle MP, who read from Northern Lights by Philip Pullman, and renowned horror author Ramsey Campbell. The campaign not only showcased a diverse range of literature but also brought new audiences into the library and generated a real buzz across the community.

Simple in concept but powerful in execution, the Read-a-thon was a brilliant way to introduce people to new books, celebrate local voices, and put the library firmly on the map. It was a shining example of how creativity, community spirit, and a love of reading can come together to make a big impact, especially in a library’s very first year.

Fleckney Community Library

“Fleckney Community Library has been run by The Friends of Fleckney Library Charity & our trustees and volunteers since March 2016. We are honoured to receive this award and to have been recognised for our contribution to Digital Inclusivity. Many people do have digital access in their home or at work, but not all and we find what we can offer in the library, including a quiet place to study or work, can help to make a real difference in our community. Thank you to the Community Libraries Network for your support – it is much appreciated.”

Since taking over the running of Fleckney Library in March 2016, the Friends of Fleckney Community Library have transformed it into a thriving, volunteer-led hub of learning, digital access, and community support. Managed entirely by trustees and a team of 30 dedicated volunteers, the library is sustained through donations, grants, membership fees, and fundraising efforts.

A standout feature of the library is its commitment to tackling digital exclusion — a vital issue in this rural area with limited broadband and mobile coverage. With eight public computers and four dedicated children’s terminals, the library offers free digital access and one-to-one support from trained volunteers. Public Wi-Fi is also available throughout the building, ensuring everyone can get online.

The library’s efforts were recently recognised by local MP Alberto Costa, who praised their work in promoting digital inclusion, one of his key constituency priorities.

Looking ahead, the library has secured Section 106 funding to develop an independent study area in the adult library, with work set to begin in October 2025. This new space will further support adult learning and provide a quiet environment for study and personal development.

In addition, the library’s IT suite is regularly used by residents for adult skills training and online learning, helping to build confidence and independence in the digital world.

This award recognises the Friends of Fleckney Community Library for their outstanding commitment to digital inclusion, community empowerment, and lifelong learning, all delivered with passion, creativity, and care.

Totley CRIC

“I am pleased to receive recognition from the CLN and my fellow trustees who entered me into these awards – It’s simply a pleasure to be able to maintain the Library on a day to day basis along with being able to be part of changing the interior of the Library from a dated 1970’s  layout/look into a 2020’s look and feel with some additional flexibility that will serve the Library and its users for many years to come.”

Martin Brown is an exceptional volunteer and Trustee at Totley Library whose dedication, expertise, and vision have transformed the library’s physical space and future potential. Since joining two years ago, Martin has gone far beyond expectations, tackling some of the library’s most pressing challenges with skill, energy, and heart.

A former construction professional, Martin has taken full ownership of the library’s ageing 1970s building, overseeing major repairs to the roof and the replacement of the outdated heating system. These complex projects would have been overwhelming for a small volunteer-run organisation, but Martin’s hands-on approach and problem-solving skills saved significant costs and stress.

Martin has also built strong relationships with contractors and suppliers, ensuring high-quality work within budget. His leadership is now driving a major refurbishment project that will modernise the space, improve accessibility, and allow the library to host more community events and services than ever before.

His work is not just about bricks and mortar — it’s about creating a welcoming, inclusive, and future-ready space for the whole community. The new layout will better serve people with disabilities and diverse needs, while also supporting Totley Library’s role as a vibrant community hub.

Martin’s deep understanding of the community, combined with his humour, positivity, and tireless commitment, has made him an invaluable part of the team. His efforts have laid the foundation, quite literally, for a stronger, more inclusive future for Totley Library.

The Deepings Community Library

“It has a been a joy and a privilege to be involved with our lovely community of children and adults at Deepings Community Library for the past 10 years. As a primary school teacher, my greatest pleasure was developing children’s love of reading, and the library, with all its activities, has enabled that pleasure to go on being a part of my life after I retired.” 

Liz has been at the heart of Deepings Library for more than a decade. When the library faced closure over ten years ago, she was one of the driving forces behind the campaign to save it, organising publicity, petitions, and rallying support from local figures. Thanks to her determination, the library reopened in January 2016 as a community-run space, and Liz has continued to dedicate herself tirelessly ever since.

Her contribution touches every aspect of library life. She has chaired the Friends of Deepings Library Committee, brought Age Concern members to the library, delivered books to housebound customers, and produced the monthly newsletter. Liz also manages the library’s Facebook page, creating engaging content and promoting events, while organising volunteers and leading the ambassador programme that connects the library with eight local schools. Through this, she has helped make the Summer Reading Challenge a record-breaking success, with over 400 children taking part.

Liz is a familiar face at school fetes, gives talks on the library’s history, and even advises other libraries under threat of closure. She runs weekly story times and craft sessions, sets up outdoor story gardens in summer, and leads holiday activities. From organising “Bumps to Babies” groups for new parents to stepping into the role of Mother Christmas during festive celebrations, Liz brings creativity and warmth to everything she does. She is always ready to recommend books, bake cakes for fundraising, assist at the counter, and design posters for events.

Her dedication is supported by her husband Brian, who often lends a hand with repairs, making them a true team behind the scenes. Liz’s energy, passion, and unwavering commitment have made Deepings Library a place of joy, learning, and community spirit. This award celebrates her extraordinary service and the lasting impact she has made on the library and its people.

Taibach Community Library

“It’s been a privilege to be part of Taibach Community Library for so many years and to see how it continues to bring people together. When I first started volunteering at the library back in 2014, I never imagined how much this place would come to mean to me. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who’s supported the library over the years – this award is really a tribute to our whole team.”

Luke Coles has been the heart and soul of Taibach Community Library for over a decade. When the library was first threatened with closure in 2014, Luke stepped forward as a volunteer and what began as a crisis response became a lifelong mission. Today, as Chair of Trustees, Luke continues to lead with vision, compassion, and unwavering commitment, dedicating thousands of hours to ensure the library not only survives but thrives.

Under Luke’s leadership, Taibach Library has been completely transformed. He fought to extend opening hours, successfully negotiating changes that made the library accessible to working families and schoolchildren for the first time. During the pandemic, Luke secured vital grants that funded a full refurbishment, replacing outdated furniture and redesigning the space to create a calm, flexible, and welcoming environment. These improvements laid the foundation for a vibrant programme of daily activities, from arts and crafts to digital skills support, ensuring the library meets the needs of everyone in the community.

Luke’s impact goes far beyond the building itself. He has forged strong partnerships with schools, colleges, local authorities, and third-sector organisations, bringing new educational and cultural opportunities to Taibach. His professional expertise in digital transformation has helped introduce systems that strengthen governance, safeguarding, and user experience, making the library more sustainable without losing its community feel.

Inclusion is central to Luke’s work. He launched the Device Bank project, providing free phones and SIMs to those most digitally excluded, and ensured that every physical change improved accessibility. Activities are designed to be welcoming and flexible, from daytime and evening craft circles to family-friendly events that foster connection and belonging.

Luke listens to his community and responds with empathy and innovation. Thanks to his leadership, Taibach Library is now a trusted hub for warmth, learning, and support a space that reflects the lives and needs of its people. His vision, tenacity, and heart have not only saved a library but rebuilt a community resource that changes lives every day.

Luke embodies the very best of volunteerism: tireless, forward-thinking, and deeply rooted in care for others. This award celebrates his extraordinary contribution and the lasting impact of his work.

Barlby Library and Community Hub

“I love volunteering especially with this group of supportive volunteers and the events group. I feel very honoured and humble to have received this award. It is a very rewarding role to help others!”

Louise Harvey is a long-standing volunteer whose dedication and creativity have made Barlby Library and Community Hub a thriving, welcoming space for all. Quietly working behind the scenes, Louise goes above and beyond to develop services that truly reflect the needs of the community. She initiated and continues to run the hugely popular monthly book club, bringing together readers of all ages to share and discuss books from a wide range of genres.

Her commitment to fostering a love of reading extends to local schools, where she regularly reads stories to children and encourages them to join the library. Until recently, Louise served as deputy coordinator for the Summer Reading Challenge, helping make it a resounding success. This year, she has passed the baton to the youngest member of the volunteer team, offering guidance and support as he takes on the role.

Louise’s creativity shines through in the magical annual “Bear Hunt,” which delights children and adults alike, and in her involvement with Town Council events such as the children’s Christmas party, where she embraces the festive spirit by dressing up as one of Santa’s elves. She also represents the library at the Parish Fun Day and plays a key role in fundraising activities for both local and national charities.

Her vision for community connection led to the creation of a monthly coffee morning, now a cherished fixture where people gather for conversation, tea, and homemade cake in a safe and inclusive environment. Louise has also helped raise funds for the library’s renovation, ensuring it is fully accessible for people with disabilities.

Louise understands what it takes to engage a community and does so with warmth, energy, and unwavering commitment. Her efforts have enriched the library and strengthened its role as a hub for learning, creativity, and connection. This award celebrates her outstanding contribution and the joy she brings to everyone who walks through the library doors.

Dinas Powys Library and Activity Centre

“Our success is a direct result of the extraordinary commitment of our volunteers, supported by local organisations businesses and residents. Their collective efforts have transformed DiPLAC into a thriving, inclusive community hub.”

Dinas Powys Library and Activity Centre is a shining example of what can be achieved through vision, resilience, and community spirit. When the library faced closure in 2016, local volunteers stepped in to save it, transforming the space into a vibrant, volunteer-run hub that now serves more visitors than ever before. Under the leadership of its trustees and the dedication of over seventy volunteers, DiPLAC has evolved far beyond a traditional library, offering a café, an activity room, and a rich programme of events that bring people together.

The transformation began with a complete redesign of the building, supported by an award-winning architect and EU funding. Today, the café and activity room generate over half of the library’s annual running costs, ensuring sustainability. Seasonal fayres, art exhibitions, and creative workshops have become highlights of the local calendar, while partnerships with health services and social prescribing initiatives help tackle isolation and promote wellbeing. From author visits and music events to puppet shows and craft sessions, DiPLAC offers something for everyone.

Innovation and inclusion are at the heart of its work. The centre is Dementia Friendly, distributes free period products through the Welsh Government’s Period Dignity scheme, and runs a popular Christmas Post Service that now reaches communities across the Vale of Glamorgan. It supports Duke of Edinburgh students and provides volunteering opportunities for people with additional needs, fostering confidence, skills, and friendships.

As DiPLAC approaches its tenth anniversary, it stands as a model of sustainability and creativity. Recent grants have funded warm spaces and accessibility improvements, and plans are underway to meet evolving community needs. The centre’s success is built on extraordinary volunteer commitment, strong partnerships, and a shared belief in the power of libraries to change lives. This award celebrates DiPLAC’s remarkable journey and its lasting impact on the community.

Beechcroft Library | Stratton St Margaret Parish Council

“We’re absolutely delighted that Beechcroft Library has been chosen for this award by the Community Libraries Network. It’s a wonderful recognition of the passion and dedication of the Parish, the staff and volunteers, the Friends of the Library, and Brewbook Cafe, and of the vital role our library plays at the heart of our neighbourhood. Beechcroft Library isn’t just a place for books — Beechcroft Library is a true community hub and is a place where everyone belongs, and where support, learning and friendship thrive. This award celebrates everyone in our community who helps make our library a welcoming, supportive and inspiring space.”

Beechcroft Library is a shining example of how a local library can be transformed into a thriving community hub through dedication, creativity, and collaboration. Serving the parish of Stratton St Margaret in Swindon, the library is managed by Stratton St Margaret Parish Council, supported by the Friends of Beechcroft Library and over thirty passionate volunteers. Together, they have created a space that not only promotes literacy but also fosters inclusion, wellbeing, and lifelong learning.

The Friends of Beechcroft Library are members of the National Literacy Trust and have introduced innovative initiatives alongside the national Summer Reading Challenge, including a local Summer Writing Competition for Key Stage 1 and 2 children. This competition, supported by workshops with local authors and charities, has inspired creativity and strengthened links with schools, guiding groups, and families. The library also partners with heritage organisations such as the Wiltshire Buildings Record and actively raises funds for both the library and national charities, demonstrating its deep commitment to community and culture.

Accessibility and inclusion are at the heart of Beechcroft Library’s mission. Since taking ownership in 2017, significant improvements have been made, including installing a lift and specialist doors to ensure full access for people with disabilities and parents with young children. Volunteers have trained as Dementia Friends, introduced dementia-friendly design features, and created resources to support conversation and memory. Digital exclusion is tackled through weekly “Getting Online” sessions led by Digital Champions, helping residents gain confidence with technology and access essential online services.

The library also runs a Home Delivery Book Service for housebound residents, supports social prescribing through partnerships with local health teams, and offers a wide range of activities for all ages from STEM-based Lego and chess clubs to baby rhyme times, art groups, bereavement support, and seasonal treasure hunts. Creative touches like butterfly hatching kits and Tonieboxes make the library an engaging space for children, while regular visits from health teams provide practical advice and support.

Beechcroft Library’s success lies in its strong community engagement. Volunteers not only deliver services but gain confidence, skills, and friendships, creating a ripple effect of wellbeing and opportunity. Public engagement sessions ensure the library continues to evolve in response to local needs, while social media and newsletters keep the community informed and involved.
This award celebrates Beechcroft Library as an outstanding example of innovation, inclusion, and community spirit a place where reading, learning, and connection flourish.

Friends of Stoneleigh Library

“Friends of Stoneleigh Library are delighted to have won a Community Library Network award in the Community Hub category. Right since the beginning we have always had a bifold purpose as a library and a community centre at the heart of the local community. When we applied for Charity Commision status in 2017 we had to work hard to get registered as a community centre for leisure and recreational purposes as well as a more traditional lending library. We remain committed to this vision and are always looking at new ways to respond to the needs of our local community and share our ideas and learning wider through the Community Libraries Network and other platforms. We are therefore delighted that the Community Libraries Network has selected us for this award.”

Friends of Stoneleigh Library (FSL) is a registered charity that has been running Stoneleigh Community Library since 2013 in partnership with Surrey County Council. With 78 volunteers organised into daily teams and specialist groups, FSL has transformed a traditional library into a vibrant community hub that serves as a vital resource at the heart of Stoneleigh.

Governed by five trustees and managed through sector-based teams covering communications, events, children’s services, stock management, volunteer recruitment, and room hire, FSL continually goes above and beyond to meet community needs. Their creativity shines through projects like an original children’s storybook about Stoneleigh’s history, illustrated by a local teenager, with proceeds supporting library programmes. Their merchandise range featuring local map designs has even reached customers as far afield as Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, and Japan. Behind the scenes, FSL has implemented major IT upgrades, migrating to Google Workspace for Non-Profits to improve collaboration and security.

Partnerships are central to FSL’s success. They work closely with local schools, delivering assemblies to promote reading, and collaborate with community groups such as Surrey Storytellers to host literary events. The library’s community room is a hub for diverse activities, from job clubs and art classes to hobby groups, creating opportunities for learning and connection.
FSL has also diversified income streams to ensure sustainability. Room hire generates steady revenue while supporting local groups, and their popular merchandise range provides additional funds. Combined with cost-effective volunteer management and strong partnerships, these efforts have secured the library’s future and expanded its role as a welcoming, inclusive space for all.

This award celebrates Friends of Stoneleigh Library for their innovation, resilience, and unwavering commitment to community engagement proving that libraries can be dynamic, creative, and indispensable in modern life.

Fazakerley Community Federation & Library

“We are so happy to have received the award for our work as a community hub. It is wonderful to have our work here recognised and rewarded. It truly is a team effort including our staff, fantastic volunteers and the people of our community themselves. We always aim to make what we do count in the community by responding to the most pressing needs. We have created some strong partnerships which have enabled us to be more creative in what we can offer, such as our community laundry. We hope we can continue to succeed in meeting these needs and go from strength to strength in the future. This award will enable us to highlight the work we are doing here to a wider audience.”

Fazakerley Community Library, based in the north of Liverpool, is far more than a place to borrow books it is a lifeline for its community. Operated in partnership with Fazakerley Community Federation, the library has evolved into a dynamic hub offering education, wellbeing, and practical support for local residents. While remaining part of Liverpool’s network of community libraries, it has carved out a unique identity as a centre for learning, creativity, and social connection.

Alongside traditional library services, Fazakerley provides free Wi-Fi, computer access, printing facilities, and IT support, including specialist software for accessibility. It hosts regular events for adults and children, from story times to language classes and digital skills workshops. But its impact goes much further. The library runs a community kitchen, a subsidised laundry, a men’s shed, and a community garden initiatives that respond directly to local needs and promote health and wellbeing. These services are complemented by advice sessions and partnerships with organisations such as the NHS, Citizens Advice Bureau, local schools, housing associations, and the University of Liverpool.

Education is a cornerstone of Fazakerley’s work. The library offers accredited courses, including teaching assistant training, functional skills in English and maths, and certificates in understanding learning difficulties and behaviour. These programmes open doors for residents, improving employability and confidence.

Fazakerley’s approach is rooted in listening to its community and acting on what matters most. The creation of a subsidised laundry, funded through local sponsorship, is a perfect example of this responsiveness. Similarly, the community garden provides space for food growing, horticulture classes, and volunteering bringing people together in a nurturing environment.
Through innovation, collaboration, and a deep understanding of local needs, Fazakerley Community Library has become a beacon of opportunity and support. This award recognises its outstanding contribution to education, wellbeing, and community empowerment.