The SLA is delighted to announce that Emma Suffield at Saint Wilfrid's C of E Academy in Blackburn has been awarded the School Librarian of the Year 2018.
Distinguished author Lauren St. John presented her with the award at a special ceremony in London on 9 October.
Although her official title is Learning Resources Centre Manager, Emma Suffield is seen more as a member of the family by many of the 1,400 students at Saint Wilfrid's C of E Academy in a diverse area of Blackburn, thanks to her personalised, thoughtful and supportive approach to engaging all readers across the school. Innovative, imaginative practice, frequently going the extra mile, has led to a whopping 450% increase in book borrowing rates since Emma became responsible for the library in 2014.
Lesley Martin, Chair of the SLA School Librarian of the Year Selection Committee, said:
''It is exciting for the profession to have someone as forward thinking, creative, passionate and professional about school libraries and no doubt with a great career ahead of her. Emma makes a real difference in her school and her community and her contribution to the wider library profession is already making an impact.''
The three other school librarians honoured for their work are:
- Nicki Cleveland – Cannon Park Primary School, Coventry
- Dr. Chhavi Jain – Manav Rachna International School (Gurugram), New Delhi
- Alison Kennedy – St George's Ascot.
Noting that the award is a unique and wonderful celebration of the work of school librarians, Alison Tarrant, Chief Executive of the School Library Association, said:
"The School Librarian of the Year Award is a brilliant opportunity to showcase the impact that school libraries can make, not just on pupils, but on staff and school culture. Our Honour List this year were all strong contenders and demonstrate the nuance needed when talking about school libraries – no two are the same; they are all reflective of the school around them, and it's aims and priorities. Last month the launch of the Great School Libraries campaign – a three-year campaign spearheaded by SLA, CILIP SLG and CILIP. The campaign has three aims: to secure school library funding; to produce a national framework for school libraries and recognition of school libraries within the Ofsted framework. Our Honour List support this aim and prove that supported school libraries can make a difference."
The video presentations from the four finalists' schools can be viewed on the SLA Youtube channel at http://www.youtube.com/uksla1
Read the full profiles of the Honour Librarian finalists for School Librarian of the Year 2018.
- Nicki Cleveland – Cannon Park Primary School, Coventry
- Dr. Chhavi Jain – Manav Rachna International School (Gurugram), New Delhi
- Alison Kennedy – St George's Ascot
- Emma Suffield – St Wilfrid's C of E Academy, Blackburn
