School Library Association and Scholastic sponsored School Librarian of the Year Award Finalists announced
SLA School Librarian of the Year 2010 – Announcement of the Honour List
“The SLA School Librarian of the Year Award celebrates the essential work that school librarians are doing at a time when school libraries are being closed at an alarming rate. We were impressed by the passion and dedication of the librarians we visited and the innovative and inspirational ways in which they bring books and an enthusiasm for learning into the heart of the school and into the lives of children. We had a hard job selecting a short list and feel that everyone on the Honour list should be celebrated.” Ginette Doyle, Chair of the Selection committee and Chair of the School Library Association.
The SLA School Librarian of the Year Award, created in 2004, aims to recognise the excellent work that is carried out in our school libraries every day; helping students learn how to learn, enthusing children and young people about books and reading and raising achievement. It highlights and spreads best practice and innovation through celebrating those whose work is outstanding.
This year there are six exceptional school librarians on the SLA School Librarian of the Year Honour List. For the first time there are two men on the Honour List and there are also two librarians from Scotland, one from the Isle of Bute.
- Sue Bastone – Licensed Victuallers’ School, Ascot
- Rebecca Jones – Malvern St James, Worcestshire
- Shiona Lawson – Rothesay Academy, Isle of Bute
- Denise Reed – Hurst Prep School, Hurstpierpoint, Sussex
- Kevin Sheehan – Offerton School, Stockport
- Duncan Wright – Stewart’s Melville College, Edinburgh
Their work will be celebrated at a ceremony held at London Zoo on International School Library Day, 4th October when the SLA School Librarian of the Year 2010 will be announced.
Alasdair Darroch, Director of Softlink Europe and the main sponsor of the 2010 Award says: “Softlink is extremely proud to be associated with supporting the School Librarian of the Year Award for the third successive year. We recognise the important contribution Librarians make to schools throughout the UK, inspiring the development of student literacy whilst keeping their libraries at the heart of learning.”
Alan Hurcombe, Group MD Scholastic UK says: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the School Librarian of the Year Award 2011. Helping schools to support their librarians and promote the love of reading is a key part of what we do and this award gives us the opportunity to celebrate and recognise the best work that happens in our schools on a daily basis. Very many congratulations to the librarians who have made it to this year’s Honour list.”
Information about the individual SLA School Librarian of the Year 2010 Honour List librarians is available.
For further information please contact: Nicky Potter on 0208 889 9735 or email nicpot@dircon.co.uk.
Notes to editors
1. The School Library Association believes that every pupil is entitled to effective school library provision. The SLA is committed to supporting everyone involved with school libraries, promoting high quality reading and learning opportunities for all.
For further information about the award including the selection process, and the School Library Association log on to the School Library Association website: www.sla.org.uk.
2. Previous Winners:
- 2009: Lucy Bakewell – Hill West Primary School, Sutton Coldfield
- 2008: Nikki Heath – Werneth School, Stockport
- 2007: Ingrid Hopson – George Abbot School, Guildford
- 2006: Anne-Marie Tarter – Ripon Grammar School, North Yorkshire
- 2005: Anne Robinson – Nicholas Chamberlaine Technology College, Bedworth
The School Library Association created this Award in 2004 in response to the need for recognition of the excellent work that is carried out in school libraries every day, and to highlight best practice through celebrating those whose work is outstanding. Nominees do not need to be members of the SLA, and may be from any phase of education.
3. Nominations for School Librarian of the Year 2011 will open in early September. Nomination forms will be included in the Autumn 2010 issue of The School Librarian and will be available to download in PDF format from the SLA website.
4. Sponsors Sponsors for the Award in 2010 are Softlink (www.softlink.co.uk), Scholastic (www.scholastic.co.uk) and Hachette Children’s Books (www.hachettechildrens.co.uk). The SLA is very grateful to all of these sponsors, without whom the Award could not continue in its current format.
