Celebrating excellence across the library and information profession

The worlds of ground breaking TV broadcasting, and the library and information profession come together today as CILIP, the library and information association, proudly announces its Honorary Fellows and Presidential Citation recipients for 2025. Among the honourees is acclaimed actor, literacy advocate, and TV icon LeVar Burton - star of Roots, and Star Trek: The Next Generation, long-time host of the Reading Rainbow, and creator of the award-winning Skybrary app.

Every year, CILIP's Honorary Fellowship recognises individuals who have made an enduring and transformative impact on libraries, information, and knowledge management. First established in 1896, this is CILIP's highest honour, and the 2025 cohort represents the very best of dedication, innovation, and advocacy in the pursuit of knowledge, literacy, and public service.

Honorary Fellows 2025

LeVar Burton receives an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his extraordinary storytelling, advocacy for literacy, and his unwavering defence of intellectual freedom. For more than four decades, he has inspired generations to connect with books and ideas – from his role in Roots to hosting Reading Rainbow for 23 years, a show that made reading joyful and accessible to millions of children worldwide. Through the Skybrary app, Burton continues to innovate, creating a digital platform that fosters children's literacy in the modern age.

Jo Cornish is the former Chief Development Officer at CILIP and is honoured for her outstanding contributions to the library profession, in professional development, workforce diversity, and the modernisation of professional standards. She pioneered the introduction of apprenticeships in the sector, embedding CILIP's definition of professionalism into new routes into the sector.

Kevin Mehmet Over a 45-year career at the British Library, Kevin has exemplified devotion, excellence, and enthusiasm in his service to the public and the profession. His tours, lectures, and seminars have become legendary, captivating audiences and promoting the importance of libraries as custodians of culture and knowledge.

Julie Bell is recognised for her exceptional leadership and lifelong dedication to public libraries and the communities they serve. At Lancashire Public Libraries, Bell steered the service through challenging and celebratory times, demonstrating resilience, compassion, and vision. Under her leadership, Lancashire's Schools Library Service was transformed into a gold standard for educational support. She also championed library apprenticeships, recognising their power to build a skilled and diverse workforce.

Presidential Citations 2025

The recipients of the Presidential Citation are awarded by the current President, Sue Lacey Bryan, to individuals who have shown exceptional dedication, leadership, and innovation in the profession.

Maja Maricevic is honoured for her pioneering leadership in advancing the Green Libraries movement, Maja has been instrumental in transforming a public libraries initiative into the wider Green Libraries Campaign, promoting environmental sustainability across the sector. As Director of Science and Improvement at the British Library, Maja plays a central role in driving the organisation's sustainability strategy, embedding climate-conscious practices at the heart of library services.

Phil Bradley is a renowned educator, author, and digital literacy advocate and receives the Citation for his immense contribution across all sectors of the information profession. Twice serving as President of CILIP, Phil has been a tireless champion for the power of technology to enhance education and information access. His thought leadership, teaching, and media presence have made him an influential voice in digital librarianship.

Dr Carla Hayden is the first woman, and first African-American, to serve as Librarian of Congress in Washington. Carla is honoured for her global influence as a role model and her lifelong advocacy for equitable access to information. Leading one of the world's most important cultural institutions for nearly a decade, Dr Hayden redefined the modern library as a hub of truth, inclusion, and community.

CILIP Chief Executive Louis Coffait-Gunn, said:

"This year's Honorary Fellows and Citation recipients exemplify the power of libraries to inspire, inform and empower people, transforming lives for the better. From global literacy champions to local leaders, their contributions remind us that the library and information profession remains one of society's greatest forces for positive impact."