Schools across the UK are invited to nominate one outstanding pupil library assistant for the 2027 UK Pupil Library Assistant of the Year Award (PLAA).
The UK Pupil Library Assistant of the Year Award provides an opportunity to recognise and celebrate a pupil who has made an outstanding contribution to their school library and wider school community.
Pupil library assistants play an important role in supporting the day-to-day life of school libraries. They give their time to help library staff, support fellow pupils, promote reading and contribute to creating a welcoming and engaging library environment.
We would also like to say a very special thank you to our valued partner, Authors Aloud UK, and our generous sponsor, Pearson UK, whose support has helped make this award possible.
Authors Aloud UK is passionate about connecting children and young people with authors, illustrators, poets and storytellers, helping to inspire a love of reading and bring the magic of books to schools, libraries and festivals across the UK and internationally.
Visit the Authors Aloud UK website to find out more about their work.
Pearson UK is a leading education organisation, providing learning resources, qualifications, assessments and support for students, teachers and schools. Pearson is committed to supporting learning and helping people achieve their potential through education.
Visit the Pearson UK website to find out more about their work.
We are incredibly grateful to both Authors Aloud UK and Pearson UK for their partnership, encouragement and support. Their contribution helps us celebrate the achievements of our participants and shine a light on the importance of reading, literacy and the school library.
Two awards for 2027
There are two PLAA awards available in 2027:
- UK Primary Pupil Library Assistant of the Year
- UK Secondary Pupil Library Assistant of the Year
Each school may nominate one pupil for the appropriate award. Ideal means that primary schools can put forward one pupil for the Primary Award, while secondary schools can nominate one pupil for the Secondary Award. However if you’re mixed year school e.g. Years 3 to 8 students. You can enter the Primary Award for pupils up to and including Year 6. Pupils in Years 7 and 8 can be entered for the Secondary Award.
The award is an opportunity to highlight the individual contribution of a pupil and celebrate the ways in which they support and enhance their school library.
Perhaps your pupil library assistant is someone who is always ready to help other pupils find their next book. Perhaps they take responsibility for keeping the library organised, support library events and activities, create displays, recommend books to their peers or encourage other pupils to become enthusiastic readers. They simply bring enthusiasm, commitment and a welcoming attitude to the library every day.
Whoever your school chooses, this is an opportunity to celebrate the contribution they make to your library and recognise the difference they make to other pupils.
Who will you nominate?
With only one pupil nomination permitted per school, schools may wish to consider carefully the pupil who has made a particularly significant contribution to their library.
Think about the pupil who consistently goes the extra mile, demonstrates enthusiasm and commitment, supports other pupils and helps make your library a special place within your school.
Their contribution may take many different forms, and we want to hear what makes your chosen pupil an exceptional library assistant.
How to nominate
To nominate your pupil, visit the UK Pupil Library Assistant of the Year Award website and download the appropriate nomination form for either the Primary or Secondary award.
Once completed, nomination forms should be submitted by email to:
Closing date
All nominations must be received by midnight on Friday 6th November 2026.
Please make sure your school’s single nomination is completed and submitted before the deadline.
Find out more and download a nomination form
Full information about the UK Pupil Library Assistant of the Year Award 2027, including the nomination forms for both the Primary and Secondary awards, can be found on the PLAA website:
https://libpupilaward.wixsite.com/home
We look forward to hearing about the fantastic pupil library assistants who give their time, enthusiasm and creativity to support school libraries across the UK.