National recognition as Midlothian libraries crowned Team of the Year

Midlothian Library Service has been crowned Team of the Year at a national awards ceremony celebrating the impact of libraries across Scotland.

Dalkeith Library will have drop-in session for people needing help with Voter ID. (pic Google Maps)

The service took the top prize at the 2026 Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) Awards in Stirling on Friday.

It was recognised for its wide-ranging approach to developing libraries as community hubs, bringing together literacy, digital inclusion and practical support.

Successful initiatives include the Every Child a Library Member scheme, which registered more than 400 babies in a year, alongside remote advice points, activity kits and community support groups.

Awards judge Garrett Stell said: “Midlothian stood out for the scale of its community-focused work, from the reach of its VERA advice points to its early-years literacy and wide-ranging diversity and inclusion initiatives.

"The service demonstrates a clear commitment to responding to local needs.”

The National Library of Scotland and South Lanarkshire Libraries were also recognised at the event.