Libraries Unlimited 2025 Volunteer Awards Announced

We are excited to announce the winners of the 2025 Volunteer Awards! Our libraries have many fantastic volunteers who work alongside our staff to help deliver library services. Our volunteers bring a wide range expertise and are dedicated to supporting their local communities. They help with everything from running events, shelving and tidying, to serving on our board of trustees. We are grateful to all our wonderful volunteers who so generously give their time to the libraries. You are all invaluable and inspire us every day with your passion, kindness and commitment.  

This year, we had great nominations, and our panel of staff forum representatives, trustees and People Team had difficult decisions to make. After much debate here are the winners of Libraries Unlimited 2025 Volunteer Awards! 

"Enriching Lives, Building Communities" Award 

Winner: Terry from Ilfracombe 

Thank you for going the extra mile in your incredible 26-year commitment to the library! 

Young Volunteer Award 

Winner: Eva from Okehampton and Lily from South Molton 

Congratulations to both Eva and Lily! The panel were so impressed by your creativity, initiative and passion that they wanted you both to receive the recognition you deserve and have made you joint winners. 

Read more about Eva's work at Okehampton Library here. 

Fantastic Fundraiser Award 

Winner: Sarah from Ivybridge 

Thank you for showcasing how fundraising can fit in with a library's offerings, and for also running wonderful Bounce & Rhyme sessions! 

Excellent Teamwork Award

Winner: Chatty Café Volunteer Team, Bideford Library 

Thank you for playing a key role in helping build the success of the Chatty Café! You all demonstrated amazing teamwork playing to each other's strengths and helping make the café a safe community space for all! 

Learn more about Bideford Library's Chatty Café here.  

Advocate Award

Winner: Peter from South Molton 

The creative projects you have contributed to South Molton Library have made such a wonderful impact on the space. Most recently, the mural you painted at the library entrance is a beautiful way of promoting the library in the community. 

Congratulations to all our 2025 Volunteer Awards winners! Thank you to everyone who nominated a volunteer. Most of all thank you to everyone who volunteers in our libraries, we are so grateful – you are all superstars!