Guernsey library announced as UK award finalist

Guernsey's public library has been announced as a finalist for a major UK award recognising its work with children and young people, organisers have revealed.

Guille-Allès Library, in St Peter Port, is one of four South West finalists for Library of the Year, part of the British Book Awards 2025.

The library was shortlisted for its work organising its Summer Reading Challenge which encouraged children to read six books over the summer holidays.

Jodie Hearn, head of the library's services for children and young people, said the nomination was "really exciting" and highlighted the efforts of the library's "whole team".

Miss Hearn said just over 1,800 children took part in the challenge - about 35% of the island's three to 11 year olds.

"It's a really good way to encourage children to read over the summer, especially when they're not in school and there's a bit of a reading dip," she said.

The Library of the Year Award "celebrates libraries that serve their readers and implement initiatives which reach deep into communities, improving the lives of individuals through storytelling and literature", organisers said.

The winner of the award will be revealed on 12 May.

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