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 librarians celebrated on the Honour List are:
Nicki Cleveland – Cannon Park Primary School, Coventry Dr. Chhavi Jain – Manav Rachna International School (Gurugram), New Delhi Alison Kennedy – St George's Ascot.