My coverage of the libraries sector for The Bookseller informed parliamentary debates. My story that Walsall Council had decided to reduce its library service—which has been shortlisted for Library of the Year at the British Book Awards—by more than half, in what a move that was described as “highly ironic” and “criminal” was referenced in a parliamentary debate with the libraries minister in order to shine a light on the crisis-stricken service.

Other stories about library services slated with closure such as in Bristol and Northamptonshire served to put pressure on local authorities who make these decisions.

I also led the first iteration of our Library of the Year award in the magazine, by reading through entries, shortlisting libraries and conducting interviews with the shortlistees and eventual winner. You can read the feature here.