Boris Johnson says Hillingdon libraries are the best in the country, after presenting an employee with a 'Librarian of the Year' award.
Sam Everett, group manager for Manor Farm , Ickenham , and Oak Farm Libraries was voted Librarian of the Year by the Publishers’ Publicity Circle.
She was one of five librarians shortlisted by the Circle’s committee and scooped the award jointly with Stewart Bain of the Orkney Library, receiving her prize from the Mayor of London, on Friday (March 11).
Boris, MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip , said: “It’s wonderful to see a Hillingdon librarian streak to the front, showing that Hillingdon libraries are the best in the country.
“Congratulations to Sam and all the team.”
Sam has worked for Hillingdon Council ’s Library Services for eleven years and was nominated for her partnership work with publicists and event organising.
She recently played a lead role in setting up the council’s first Culture Bite Festival which was held in October.
'Extremely proud to have even been nominated'
The month-long festival was heralded a success, with more than 3,000 people attending the 120+ events and activities on offer in libraries and other venues across Hillingdon .
Sam personally made many of the connections with authors, publishers and agents, which meant that Hillingdon was able to bring bestselling writers to the festival.
The crowned Librarian of the Year said: “I'm totally gobsmacked and extremely proud to have even been nominated for the award let alone winning it.
“It's so amazing to have been able to put Hillingdon Libraries on the map.
“I do feel I can't take all the credit though, as I've been supported by a fantastic team of staff and supportive manager.”
More children read during summer in Hillingdon
Sam also coordinates the annual Summer Reading Challenge, which encourages children to continue reading throughout the holiday period.
Hillingdon had the highest rate of completions - children who visited the library six times during the holidays and borrowed books - in London last year.
Cllr Douglas Mills , Hillingdon Council cabinet member for community, commerce and regeneration, said: “This is an excellent achievement for Sam and I’d like to congratulate her on her hard work for Hillingdon Libraries.
“Our 17 libraries, which were all rebuilt or refurbished, offer extended opening hours, a first class book stock, computer facilities, helpful informed staff, a range of services and programme of activities for residents and are really flourishing as community hubs.”
The Circle is a network of book publicists, who every year vote for their journalist, event organiser and librarian of the year.
For more information about what’s on offer at Hillingdon Libraries visit their website .
