Announcing the winner of the IUG Category Clarivate Library Innovation Awards 2026

This year’s awards brought forward an inspiring collection of submissions from libraries around the world, each one reflecting the creativity, dedication, and impact that define today’s library community.

We are proud to announce the winner of the IUG Category Clarivate Library Innovation Awards 2026:

Rochester Hills Public Library

Rochester Hills Public Library was recognized for reimagining how children discover and engage with library collections. In partnership with Clarivate, the library developed a themed kids’ catalog using Vega Discover, designed specifically around how children think, explore, and learn at different developmental stages. By combining early childhood literacy expertise with intentional design, they created an interface that replaces traditional text-heavy search with visual, intuitive browsing – making it easier for children, from pre-readers to teens, to independently find materials and feel confident in the process.

The impact has been both measurable and deeply human, the catalog has driven strong engagement across both in-library kiosks and home access, while also fostering something unexpected: shared discovery between parents and children.

Beyond its local success, the project has influenced libraries across the community, with RHPL openly sharing its approach and helping others adopt similar models. Their work demonstrates how thoughtful, user-centered innovation can remove barriers, expand access, and create meaningful connections within the community.

Their work is a powerful example of how libraries continue to evolve – responding to community needs, rethinking services, and creating meaningful change.

Recognizing our finalists

We would also like to recognize this year’s outstanding finalists:

Santa Clarita Public Library

Santa Clarita Public Library was recognized for rethinking how library services reach the community through its Library Express – a fully operational mobile library built from a repurposed city vehicle.

More than just a bookmobile, it functions as a true branch on wheels, offering checkout, library cards, internet access, and programming directly in neighborhoods, schools, and community events.

What makes it stand out is its responsive, request-based model, allowing the library to meet people where they are and expand access beyond traditional locations in a simple but meaningful way.

Suffolk Public Library

Suffolk Public Library was recognized for finding a new way to serve its community through its Open+ initiative, giving patrons access to a rural branch beyond traditional hours. This approach makes it easier for people to use the library on their own time, removing barriers for those with limited schedules or access. It’s a simple but powerful shift that ensures more people can connect with the resources they need.

Each of these libraries represents the very best of the global library community. Their work highlights how innovation can take many forms – large and small – and how it continues to shape the future of libraries and the communities they serve.

Celebrating the libraries making a difference

The Clarivate Library Innovation Awards were created to shine a light on the work libraries are doing every day, often quietly, to make a difference. From reimagining services to finding new ways to engage and support users, these initiatives demonstrate the real-world impact of library innovation.

This year’s submissions were a powerful reminder that innovation in libraries is not defined by, scale or technology alone, but by purpose, creativity, and the ability to respond to real needs.

We extend our sincere congratulations to Rochester Hills Public Library, and to our finalists Santa Clarita Public Library and Suffolk Public Library.
As we look ahead, we are excited to continue this journey and celebrate even more examples of library innovation in next year’s awards.