Yvonne joined Central Regional Council’s School Library Service in 1991 before moving to Falkirk Council in 1996 following local government reorganisation. Throughout her career, she has remained passionate about one thing above all else - ensuring every child has the opportunity to develop a lifelong love of books.

Yvonne’s career began in West Dunbartonshire after she completed her post graduate degree in Librarianship.

In the late 1980s, Yvonne spent two years in Sudan with Voluntary Service Overseas, helping to establish the country's National Library. Working with government departments, universities and organisations across Sudan, she helped gather and organise information and resources that would form part of a national collection. She said it was a unique and beautiful experience that broadened her understanding of the importance of access to information and lifelong learning.

Back in Falkirk, Yvonne became a tireless advocate for literacy and reading culture. She is particularly proud of the countless storytelling sessions, festivals and projects that have helped children gain confidence in reading and communication.

One story that has stayed with her involved a pupil who struggled to engage with literacy. After taking part in a storytelling project, the young person went home and independently wrote an adaptation of a fairy tale - something their teacher had never seen them do before. Yvonne said that for that child, the door had opened and they realised they could achieve within literacy.

Her most enduring legacy is the Red Book Awards, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Created by Falkirk’s school librarians and championed by Yvonne from the outset, the award encourages S2 pupils from across Falkirk to read a shortlist of books before voting for their favourite.

What sets the Red Book Award apart is the experience it gives young people. Authors are invited to Falkirk to meet pupils, visit schools and take part in a celebration event where creativity, reading and storytelling take centre stage. Pupils produce book trailers, alternative endings and dramatic interpretations of the shortlisted books, while the winning author is revealed only at the very end of the ceremony.

Over the years, the Red Book Awards has welcomed some of the UK's most talented children's authors, many of whom have described it as one of the best book awards they attend because of the enthusiasm and energy shown by Falkirk's young readers. The event has become a highlight of the school calendar and has inspired thousands of pupils to discover new authors and genres.

As she prepares for retirement, Yvonne says she will miss the relationships she has built with colleagues, schools and young people across Falkirk.

While she looks forward to spending more time with family, walking, volunteering and pursuing new opportunities, her influence will continue to be felt in schools, libraries and classrooms across Falkirk for years to come.

For generations of young readers, Yvonne’s legacy is simple but powerful: helping them discover the life-changing magic of a good book.