Clacks librarian Ian is hero of Bookbug sessions story
A Wee County librarian has been awarded a top honour by the Scottish Book Trust.
The national charity, which changes lives through reading and writing, has named Clackmannanshire Council librarian and Bookbug coordinator Ian Keane as the recipient of the 2022 Bookbug Hero Award.
He was nominated by colleagues and parents who described him as a“great role model and advocate for Bookbug”.
Over the last ten years, Ian has welcomed many families to Bookbug Sessions in Clackmannanshire. He arranges and co-ordinates the programme across five different library branches and works with local families, listening to feedback and incorporating new ideas that are raised.
Colleagues have praised how he engages children with songs and books.
Ian’s work was said to have had a huge impact on children and families, putting them at their ease, motivating them to return week after week. Ian also encourages parents and guardians to mix, which for some has been a lifeline, making them feel less lonely or isolated.
Some of the attendees do not have English as a first language, and the Bookbug Sessions allow them a fun and relaxing way to meet others and work on their language skills. Ian has also been praised for making his Bookbug Sessions inclusive for wheelchair users, making sure all attendees are able to take part.
A surprised Ian said:“the idea expressed by the people who nominated me was that somehow during Covid times,
I had offered an anchor that helped bring a bit of stability to the week.”
He added:“however, the truth is they offered me an anchor, a light to cling to in darker times.
“I’ll forever be grateful to the attendees for recalling me to life.
“I think without Bookbug we would have all been a lot poorer - it is a panacea for our times.”