Motion text
That this House congratulates the City of Edinburgh Council’s Oxgangs Library, Saughton Prison Library (HMP Edinburgh), and the Mobile Library Services team on winning the prestigious Library of the Year Award 2026 at the British Book Awards; commends the collaborative "Secret Santa" initiative launched in late 2025, which saw the three teams unite to deliver tailored, gift-wrapped books, handmade bookmarks, and cards to nearly 150 individuals in custody during a traditionally lonely time of year; notes that this scheme not only successfully boosted prison library footfall and supported crucial literacy efforts within HMP Edinburgh, but also extended the City of Edinburgh’s exemplary outreach, community health, and home-delivery services; welcomes the judges' praise for the programme's incredible success in combating loneliness and exclusion on a minimal budget; and thanks the dedicated library staff and the “Library Elf” for their compassion and hard work, and wishes them continued success as they prepare to return the project this coming Christmas.
Signatures (3)
The first 6 Members who have signed to support the motion are the sponsors. The primary sponsor is generally the person who tabled the motion and has responsibility for it. The date shown is when the Member signed the motion.
There are no withdrawn signatures for this motion.