Really leading the reading...

Sam scoops Librarian of the Year title

BORIS Johnson says Hillingdon libraries are the best in the country, after presenting an employee with a ‘Librarian of the Year’ award.

Sam Everett, group manager for Manor Farm, Ickenham and Oak Farm Libraries was voted Librarian of the Year by the Publishers’ Publicity Circle.

She was one of five librarians shortlisted by the Circle’s committee and scooped the award jointly with Stewart Bain of the Orkney Library, receiving her prize from the Mayor of London, on Friday, March 11.

Mr Johnson, MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, said: “It’s wonderful see a Hillingdon librarian streak to the front, showing that Hillingdon libraries are the best in the country.

“Congratulations Sam and all the team.”

Sam has worked for Hillingdon Council’s Library Services for eleven years and was nominated for her partnership work with publicists and event organising.

She recently played a lead role in setting up the council’s first Culture Bite Festival which was held in October.

The month-long festival was heralded a success, with more than 3,000 people attending the 120plus events and activities on offer in libraries and other venues across Hillingdon.

Sam personally made

to

to many of the connections with authors, publishers and agents, which meant that Hillingdon was able to bring bestselling writers to the festival.

The crowned Librarian of the Year said: “I’m totally gobsmacked and extremely proud to have even been nominated for the award let alone winning it.

“It’s so amazing to have been able to put Hillingdon Libraries on the map.

I am totally gobsmacked. It’s so amazing to have been able to

put Hillingdon Libraries on the

map”

“I do feel I can’t take all the credit though, as I’ve been supported by a fantastic team of staff and supportive manager.”

Sam also co-ordinates the annual Summer Reading Challenge, which encourages children to continue reading throughout the holiday period.

Hillingdon had the highest rate of completers – children who visited the library six times during the holidays and borrowed books – in London last year.

Cllr Douglas Mills, Hillingdon Council cabinet member for community, commerce and regeneration, said: “This is an excellent achievement for Sam and I’d like to congratulate her on her hard work for Hillingdon libraries.

“Our 17 libraries, which were all rebuilt or refurbished, offer extended opening hours, a first class book stock, computer facilities, helpful informed staff, a range of services and programme of activities for residents and are really flourishing as community hubs.”

The Circle are a network of book publicists, who every year vote for their journalist, event organiser and librarian of the year.

The awards ceremony was held on Monday, February 29.

For information about what’s on at Hillingdon’s libraries visit www. hillingdon.gov.uk/libraries.