Devon library staff shortlisted for national awards recognising community impact
Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
Two staff members from Libraries Unlimited have been shortlisted for the Libraries Connected Awards 2026, recognising their work supporting reading, wellbeing and community engagement across Devon.
The national awards, organised by Libraries Connected, celebrate the dedication and achievements of library workers who make a meaningful difference to local communities and library users.
Emma Ward from South Molton Library has been shortlisted in the reading category for her efforts to inspire a love of books among readers of all ages.
Emma runs three book groups supporting children, teenagers and adults. Alongside leading the sessions, she spends time outside work reading and preparing so participants can enjoy a richer experience.
She has also worked with young people to redesign the Teen Library space, helping to make it more inclusive and welcoming. By gathering feedback from local teenagers and using their ideas to shape the new layout, Emma has helped create a space where young people feel a sense of ownership and belonging.
Beth Harris, health and wellbeing development manager at Libraries Unlimited, has been shortlisted in the health and wellbeing category for her work strengthening the library service’s role in supporting community health.
Beth has helped transform the organisation’s wellbeing offer by securing funding and building partnerships that bring new programmes and resources to libraries across Devon and Torbay. Initiatives introduced under her leadership include blood pressure monitors now available in all libraries, media literacy workshops delivered in partnership with the Guardian Foundation, and the Outdoor Explorer Club, which helps people discover and access the outdoors.
Alex Kittow, chief executive of Libraries Unlimited, welcomed the national recognition for both members of staff.
“It’s a huge honour to have not one but two members of staff shortlisted,” he said. “We are delighted that Emma and Beth have received this national recognition for their hard work in going above and beyond to enrich and resource community wellbeing. Libraries have the power to transform lives, but that would not be possible without people like Emma and Beth who bring so much heart, thought and enthusiasm to their work.”
The shortlist will now be considered by an expert judging panel, with winners set to be announced at a ceremony in June.
Isobel Hunter MBE, chief executive of Libraries Connected, congratulated those nominated this year.
“Huge congratulations to all the staff who have been shortlisted for the Libraries Connected Awards 2026,” she said. “We had a record-breaking number of nominations this year and the range of projects put forward shows just how creative and committed library workers are, even in challenging times.
“It’s inspiring to see how staff respond to local needs, find new ways to connect people and ensure that libraries remain welcoming and trusted places for everyone. We’re delighted to recognise their achievements.”
The awards are sponsored by OverDrive, which provides digital books, audiobooks and other resources to libraries and schools around the world.
( Photo supplied by Libraries Unlimited 📸 )