Lanarkshire readers are invited to get on the same page as the Scottish Book Trust as it opens nominations for its Bookbug Hero Award 2023.
The national charity, which runs the Scotland-wide Bookbug programme for young children and families, is asking people to nominate a librarian, early years’ worker, volunteer, health visitor, or anyone who uses Bookbug in their work.
Run in association with Walker Books, the award honours “someone who has made a real difference to the lives of young children, families and communities they work with”.
Marc Lambert, CEO of the Scottish Book Trust, told Lanarkshire Live : “Bookbug touches the lives of so many young families all over Scotland, in libraries, early years and nursery settings, and also through the health service.
“We are excited to open nominations for our fourth Bookbug Hero Award, which celebrates the brilliant work of our Bookbug practitioners.
“Without this work, many families and children would not discover the fun and lifelong benefits of sharing stories, songs and rhymes.
“We are grateful to Walker Books for their support in helping us recognise these heroes in local communities.”
Ian Keane, librarian and winner of the Bookbug Hero Award 2022, said: "I was very surprised to win the Bookbug Hero Award. 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.
"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 have all been a lot poorer - it is a panacea for our times.”
Ed Ripley, Walker UK sales and marketing director, added: "At Walker we appreciate the huge impact individuals can have on supporting communities to grow their reading culture, and as such we’re delighted to get behind any initiative that celebrates and applauds these individuals.
"Scottish Book Trust’s programmes have a huge impact on families and young people, and the vast array of practitioners who help implement them do stellar work, so we are thrilled to support the Bookbug Hero Award.”
Nominations for the Bookbug Hero Award can be made via the Scottish Book Trust’s website; the closing date is Friday, November 4.
The winner will receive a special trophy and a bundle of picture books worth £500 from Walker Books.
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