A Sandwell librarian has won the Public Library Champion of the Year Award for her outstanding work with local people. Julie McKirdy won the award from the Chartered Institute of Library and Information for her 'outstanding frontline work' to make a real difference to people who use the library. Julie is library supervisor at Thimblemill Library and the award follows the British Empire medal she received from the Queen earlier this year.
She has been praised for turning the library into a community and cultural hub, giving local people access to arts and creative events. Her varied programme includes live music, performance storytelling, a charity quiz night, daily free hot meals for needy local people and a “Wow Factor” talent competitions. Councillor Bob Piper said it is difficult to think of an event or activity that has taken place in this area for more than ten years where Julie has not actively participated.
Councillor Piper, who has worked with Julie as a Friend of the Lightwoods House and Park, said the keen librarian turned up and joined the committee to help to raise a £4.4 million Heritage Lottery Bid. “Anyone who goes to a local school fete with a few dozen parents in attendance will now that Julie will be there helping to promote one of the many groups she is involved with,” he said.
Councillor Richard Marshall, cabinet member for leisure, added: “Congratulations to Julie, she really is the epitome of the term community champion and the award is well-deserved.” This is the second national award for Sandwell libraries in the last 12 months because last October the council’s mobile library won the best Small Mobile Library Award from the Chartered Institute.
