MM IFLA PressReader Award Astana 2025
MM IFLA PressReader Award Astana 2025

Marketing in libraries is about understanding communities, shaping services to meet their needs, and showing the essential role libraries play in society. For over 20 years, the IFLA International Marketing Awards have recognized outstanding campaigns that make libraries more visible, relevant, and impactful. Each year, libraries worldwide—from public to academic and special—share inspiring projects in areas such as literacy, culture, and digital inclusion. In 2024, more than 100 entries highlighted the creativity and dedication of professionals globally. Since 2019, the Awards have been presented in partnership with PressReader, broadening their reach and fostering innovation.

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), in collaboration with PressReader, is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2025 IFLA PressReader International Marketing Award. This award celebrates exceptional library marketing campaigns that showcase innovation, impact, and community engagement. Our top three finalists were chosen for their outstanding and innovative contributions to library marketing. First place receives €3,500, second €2,500, and third €2,000 to support their attendance at the 2025 World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) in Astana, Kazakhstan. The Award also honours the top 10 submissions with certificates of recognition and a Premium PressReader account.

Closing ceremony

The award ceremony was held on Wednesday, 20 August 2025, at 13:30 in the Astana, Grand Hall of the Congress Centre in Astana, Kazakhstan. The event was hosted by newly elected IFLA President Leslie Weir and Krista Visas, Chair of the IFLA Management & Marketing Section. Additional remarks were delivered by Josine de Wolde (Senior Territory Manager, Libraries and Institutions – PressReader), Cathelijne Kuiters, and Joe Mocnik (M&M Section).

2025 Winners

1st Place – Worcester Public Library (USA), “March Meowness”

A playful and creative initiative accepting cat photos as payment for overdue fines. The campaign combined humor, accessibility, and clear messaging, connecting with the community and promoting services. The Jury praised its simplicity, creativity, and strong impact with minimal resources.

2nd Place – Beijing Library, Capital Library of China, “Reading Garden”

This project bridged reading and the digital space through online tracking, an app, and an interactive library wall. It encouraged both individual and family reading, strengthened parental involvement, and achieved notable media coverage.

3rd Place – Ningbo Library (China), “Listen to the Sound of Books”

By launching an audiobook channel on Ximalaya, Ningbo Library broadened access to books, especially for visually impaired readers. Over 2,200 new participants benefited from a QR-based seamless experience, showcasing innovation and accessibility.

Additional Recognitions

The Jury also recognized seven libraries for their innovative contributions:

  • Anji County Library (China) – “Rural Library: Reading in the Heart of Nature”
  • Western Libraries (Canada) – “Western Libraries Ambassadors”
  • Municipal State Cultural Institution (Russia) – “Book Wagon”
  • National Library Board (Singapore) – “Book Bugs: Tales of Travellers”
  • National University of Singapore Libraries (Singapore) – “TF–NUS Heritage Champions”
  • Pikes Peak Library District (USA) – “You Belong Library Card Sign-up Month Campaign”
  • Shanghai Library East (China) – “Unlocking Young Minds: How Animation Transforms Reading into Adventure”

Special Mentions

The Jury also awarded five Special Mentions for outstanding campaigns:

  • Bibliotheek Utrecht (Netherlands) – “Opinions (Meningen)”
  • Cape Peninsula University of Technology (South Africa) – “Building Connection: CPUT Libraries TikTok Growth Campaign”
  • Nanjing Public Library (China) – “Taste of Time: From Pages to Plates”
  • Shanghai Children’s Library (China) – “Echoes of Parent-Child Reading”
  • vzw Het Portaal (ARhus, Belgium) – “10 years of ARhus: Bib bib hoera!”

Jury and Partners

The Jury comprises members of the IFLA Standing Committee on Management & Marketing: Harriet Darcel (UK), Carmen Eastman (Australia), Fan Ji (China), Cathelijne Kuiters (Netherlands), Joe Mocnik (USA), Romeo Muvhulawa Matumba (South Africa), and Elena Stöhr (Germany).

Special thanks to Josine de Wolde (PressReader), who emphasized the company’s commitment to libraries and echoed James Fairbotham, Director of Libraries at PressReader:

“As long-time supporters of the IFLA PressReader Marketing Awards, we continue to be inspired by the creativity and passion of library professionals worldwide. This year’s campaigns demonstrate how libraries build strong, lasting connections with their communities.”

About IFLA & PressReader

Headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, IFLA represents libraries globally, advocating for the profession and improving services worldwide. With members in over 150 countries, its mission is to inspire, engage, enable, and connect the library field.

Founded in 1999, PressReader partners with over 1,500 publishers to deliver 7,000+ newspapers and magazines in 60+ languages worldwide. Through collaborations with libraries, hotels, airlines, and institutions in 150+ countries, PressReader provides access to quality journalism and entertainment globally.

Contact

By: Rok Dežman, Secretary of the IFLA Management & Marketing Section