The 2025 Allan Ball local studies awards are now open for nominations. Run by the Library Services Trust and CILIP Local Studies Group, the object of these awards is to encourage the production of high quality publically or locally funded local history publications. There are three categories to enter; Print publication, E-publication, and a Community Award. The publication needs to have appeared between January 2025 and December 2025.

The organisers especially welcome submissions from libraries, archives, museum and archaeology services, small local museums and heritage centres, Local History societies, community history projects, and local authors. This is an ideal platform for industrial heritage sites and museums to promote their latest publications.

Winners will be given a certificate, the use of a winner’s logo and accorded the title of Alan Ball Award winner, which can be used on promotional material. Nominations must be submitted by end of January 2026.

The Awards are administered by the Library Services Trust and CILIP Local Studies Group. The Trust is responsible for several other awards while the Local Studies Group supports people working in local studies librarianship. Follow this link for applciation details: