Stoneleigh Community Library has been recognised with a prestigious national award for its work as a community hub. The library received the accolade in the Community Hubs category at the 2025 Community Libraries Network Awards, which celebrate excellence and best practice in the community library sector.
Friends of Stoneleigh Library, the registered charity that has run the library since 2013 in partnership with Surrey County Council, was praised for its commitment to serving as both a traditional lending library and a vibrant community centre. The organisation has maintained this dual purpose since securing Charity Commission status in 2017, when it registered specifically as a community centre for leisure and recreational purposes alongside its library functions.
The library operates with 78 volunteers organised into daily teams and specialist groups, overseen by five trustees. Its community room hosts diverse activities ranging from job clubs and art classes to hobby groups, creating opportunities for learning and connection across the local area.
The award recognises the library’s innovation in responding to community needs, including the creation of an original children’s storybook about Stoneleigh’s history and a merchandise range featuring local map designs that has reached customers internationally. The organisation continues to share its ideas and learning through the Community Libraries Network and other platforms.
You can read more about the Community Libraries Network Awards on their website.
