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Dressing up as book characters in vibrant and often whacky costumes - and sharing her passion for books is all in a day’s work for Principal Librarian Yvonne Manning.

That passion, along with her outstanding commitment and dedication to reading was recognised earlier in May by the Scottish Book Trust.

And if you missed the buzz on social media – we’re letting you know now - Yvonne was announced the winner of the Learning Professional Award 2020!

The Award, now in its fourth year and in partnership with Browns Books for Students, recognises a teacher or librarian who has had a powerful impact on the reading culture of young people and adults in their community.  Yvonne was nominated by colleagues – Donna Green and Jacqueline Craig – who have described her as an “inspiration to all who work with her.”

With over 36 years’ experience, Yvonne manages the Learning Resource Service in Children’s Services. This supports schools to develop a reading culture by providing a wide-range of cross-curricular resources as well as delivering outreach services, including storytelling, reader development sessions and training for teachers. Thanks to this, many teachers have been supported to make sure they can get the right book to the right child.  Yvonne also supports parents and families to develop skills to promote reading at home and as Falkirk’s Bookbug Co-ordinator, she participates in gifting events for nurseries and trains staff and parents on storytelling. 

Yvonne is well-known by secondary pupils and colleagues across the Council for establishing and running the popular, RED Book Awards.    Since 2006, the annual event brings authors and young people together – all wearing something red of course!   

Yvonne said: “I was, and still am, completely thrilled and overwhelmed to hear that I had been chosen for the Learning Professional Award. It means so much to me that my colleagues took the time to send in the nomination and I am humbled that the judging panel thought I deserved this award, when there are so many amazing professionals out there who make a real difference in their work. I am passionate about literacy, especially the power of reading for enjoyment and storytelling, and to be given this recognition by the inspirational and wonderful Scottish Book Trust is something quite magical.”

As the 2019 President of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIPS), Yvonne is a well-respected member of her sector.

Yvonne will receive £500 worth of books to help with her work.

Escaping into a book is even more important in these days of lockdown and Yvonne recommends the following good reads for young people:

  • Evernight by Ross MacKenzie
  • The Boy with the Butterfly Mind by Victoria Williamson
  • The Star Outside my Window by Onjali Q Raúf
  • Ella on the Outside by Cath Howe
  • Letters from the Lighthouse by Emma Carroll