Dagger in the Library

The Dagger in the Library is a prize for a body of work by an established writer of crime fiction or non-fiction who has long been popular with borrowers from libraries. It also rewards authors who have supported libraries and their users through taking part in library events.

The Dagger in the Library is awarded to an author writing in Britain who is nominated by libraries and borrowers in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and voted on by libraries.

Libraries

Submit your nominations now for the 2026 awards

Libraries – submit your nominations now

Dagger in the Library 2026 criteria

For the winner, we are looking for a crime writer of fiction or non-fiction who has brought most pleasure to UK and Irish library users over a significant time, and who has actively supported libraries.

Nominees must:

Have published at least 4 crime books (fiction or non-fiction)
Have published their first book at least 4 years prior to the closing of the current competition
Be based for much of the year in the UK or the Republic of Ireland
Write in English or Welsh
Never have won the Diamond Dagger (winners listed here)
Never have won the Dagger in the Library (winners listed here)
Have not been shortlisted for the Dagger in the Library for the last two years (search for shortlisted authors in Past Winners here)

Dates for your diary

Longlist announced: 16 April 2026, time and location to be determined
Shortlist announced: 29 May 2026, time and location to be determined
Winner announced: at the Daggers Awards in July 2026

The judges 2026

Ian Anstice (Chair)
Ian Anstice is a Locality Librarian for Cheshire West and Chester Council and has worked for the same service of 26 years. However, he is more widely known outside of that service as being the editor of Public Libraries News. He is a keen walker of schnauzers but promises us he does fit in the time to read the occasional book as well.