Ripley Library, in the town’s Grosvenor Road, was announced as the winner of the prestigious Library/Librarian of the Year category at the RNA’s Winter Party and Industry Awards ceremony, which was held at the Leonardo Royal Hotel London City on Monday 13 November 2023.
The RNA’s annual awards “celebrate the hard work and talent of any person, group or organisation who has championed the broad genre of romantic fiction in a positive way”.
The library worked with the RNA to create displays promoting books shortlisted for the RNA 2023 awards and one celebrating 2022 winners. The displays proved very popular with Ripley Library users, and borrowing of romantic novels rose dramatically.
Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis, who is also the Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture, Tourism and Climate Change, said:
“Everyone at Ripley Library should be very proud of their achievement.
“The Romantic Novelists’ Association is a top professional body that promotes and recognises excellence in romantic fiction. This is a very prestigious award.”