2019 WINNER

Ros Harding from The King's School Chester has been awarded the honour of the School Librarian of the Year 2019. YA Book Prize winner Sara Barnard presented Ros Harding with her award at a special ceremony at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel London Kensington on 27 June 2019.

Head Librarian and Archivist at The King's School Chester (an independent selective school for ages 3-18), Ros Harding contributes in many ways to the life of the school and to the wellbeing of its students and staff. She was described variously as "caring, for people but also for the library itself", "inspiring curiosity" and a "tour de force". As well as establishing a School Book Award, Ros is an excellent ambassador of research skills and ensures all aspects of the school to have a place within the library. She empowers pupils and gives outstanding support and pastoral care.

Sue Bastone, Chair of the SLA School Librarian of the Year Selection Committee, said:

"It was a real honour to visit the three exceptional librarians on this year's Honour List and it was incredibly difficult for the judges to pick a winner. Ros's professionalism and contribution to teaching and learning make her a highly valued equal among her teaching colleagues. Her caring and inclusive nature is appreciated by students, staff and parents, many of whom describe her as inspiring, not least in the way she makes things happen to the benefit of all who come into contact with her, from junior school pupils to the Senior Leadership Team."

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 Honour List this year are fantastic examples of the impact that effective school libraries can have, as shown by the affection and respect with which pupils and teaching staff talk about them. All three have all had a positive influence on the learning that goes on within their schools, both formally and informally. Ros has 'redefined the role' according to her nominee and all prove that the stereotype of a school librarian who sits behind a desk and stamps books is just that – a stereotype. All the Honour List should be incredibly proud of their contribution to ensuring all their pupils have a fully rounded education."

Two other exciting and innovative librarians were shortlisted for the Award: Helen Cleaves (Librarian/Learning Resources Manager at Kingston Grammar School) and Chantal Kelleher (Learning Resource Centre Manager at Herne Bay High School).

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

Chantal Kelleher

Learning Resource Centre Manager at Herne Bay High School, (www.hernebayhigh.org, an above-average-sized, mixed, non-selective Secondary academy), Chantal Kelleher, is dedicated to developing a whole school approach to reading and information literacy, ensuring the LRC is a vibrant and colourful hub at the centre of the school. From filming staff reciting poems to creating book-filled goody bags for transition students, via the LGBT pupil group she supports and her innovative use of the library to support different departments in the school, it is clear that Chantal has great passion for promoting the LRC with creativity and flair. @hernebayhigh

Helen Cleaves

Librarian/Learning Resources Manager at Kingston Grammar School (www.kgs.org.uk, an independent, co-educational day school), Helen Cleaves has an impact which extends well beyond the library doors. From welcoming new staff with a breakfast croissant and liaising closely with pastoral staff through to promoting academic rigour at Head of Department meetings, Helen is utterly committed to ensuring that the library is welcoming, relevant and purposeful. Innovative reading promotions including establishing the school's first Poet Laureate and regularly producing The Guilty Librarian podcast. @KGS_Library @kgs_libraryuk