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10 September 2018
Alison Kennedy, Head Librarian at St George’s Ascot, has been shortlisted for the School Library Association’s School Librarian of the Year Award. This prestigious honour recognises the excellent work that is carried out in school libraries every day and highlights the best practice of those whose work is outstanding.
Alison’s role at the independent boarding and day school for girls 11-18 reaches far beyond the bookshelves of her library; her residential and pastoral roles add great value to the sense of the library and librarian as a friendly, welcoming space to everyone, and as Head of House, Form Tutor, Extended Project Qualification Coordinator and, living on site, she is truly embedded in the school.
Alison’s enthusiastic and proactive approach to promoting Reading for Pleasure ensures the library beautiful, modern and airy library is seen as a hive of energy and imagination, and creative use of social media plays a key role in engaging the entire school with the library and its resources. Of herself she says, “I’m not changing the world but if just one student starts reading for pleasure, finds that bit of information they really need or feels emotionally supported because of me then I will be delighted.” You can get a further flavour of Alison’s work on Twitter and Instagram: @SGA_Library
Alison has been shortlisted for this prestigious national award alongside three other school librarians; each of whom has made a huge difference to the lives of the students and people they work with, igniting a passion for reading, setting students on a learning journey, teaching them essential skills, as well as supporting staff and reaching out to the wider community.
Lesley Martin, Chair of the SLA School Librarian of the Year Selection Committee, said:
“Four exciting and innovative librarians have made it onto to the Honour List for the SLA School Librarian of the Year Award 2018, with one from outside the British Isles for only the second time in the history of the Award”.
The work of these inspirational librarians will be celebrated at a ceremony held on 9 October 2018 at the The Judge’s Court, The Rooms at Browns in Covent Garden. Blue Peter Book Award Winner Lauren St John will announce the SLA School Librarian of the Year 2018.
