Mitchell staff share prize to be UK’s top librarians
THEY have helped get Glasgow – both young and old – reading.
And now Principal Librarians Margaret Houston and Dawn Vallance have been honoured with the prestigious title of Librarian of the Year 2017.
The pair, who work in the Mitchell Library, shared the accolade from the Publishers’ Publicity Circle (PPC).
Margaret, who travelled to London with Dawn to collect her award, said: “It has been my great privilege to welcome thousands of young people into the city’s libraries to share their love of great books and inspiring characters.
“We’ve been fortunate enough to bring Children’s Laureates, global bestselling authors, poets and household names to Glasgow’s libraries to share their stories and experiences and everyone has fired the imaginations of their audiences.
“In the coming 10 days we are doing it all again with two Wee Write! family days and another very popular Wee Write! schools programme.”
Margaret and Dawn were hailed for their work bringing authors to Glasgow, through high profile events including Book Week Scotland, Tesco Bank Summer Reading Challenge, World Book Day and the Wee Write! festival.
Dawn added: “I am delighted to receive this award for working on campaigns with the UK’s top publishers, helping to create opportunities for people to enjoy the positive affect that reading can have, regardless of age, socio or economic background.
“It has been an absolute privilege to work with so many talented authors and be able to help showcase their work in Glasgow.”
Margaret, who was also crowned PPC Librarian of the Year 2015, has been a key programmer of children’s and adult author events and selector of children’s collections across Glasgow’s 33 public libraries for more than 38 years.
Having brought high profile names such as Elaine C Smith and Chae Strathie to Glasgow Libraries literary events, she works closely with authors and storytellers to create opportunities for children across Glasgow to discover the magical world of books.
Dawn, who joined Glasgow Libraries in 2014, has supported a number of high profile literacy events citywide.
These include events for Book Week Scotland and National Reading Groups Day as well as increasing engage- ment with Aye Write!.
Archie Graham, chairman of Glasgow Life, said: “Margaret and Dawn are dedicated to ensuring that the people of Glasgow, both young and old are able to enjoy and benefit from the joy of reading and literacy.”
“This award is a tribute to their passion and commitment to public service and I’m delighted that they have both been recognised with this great honour.”