Somerton Community Librarian Abbi Dowler Honoured with Prestigious Award for Enhancing Reading and Literacy
Somerton Community Library is delighted to announce that its librarian, Abbi Dowler, has been awarded the prestigious Achievement for Enhancing Reading and Literacy Award by the Community Libraries Network Awards Programme.
This award is one of six categories recognized by the Community Libraries Network, a scheme celebrating the excellence, dedication, and best practices of individuals, teams, and organizations working within the community library sector. Abbi Dowler’s work has been a shining example of the significant impact community libraries have on the day-to-day lives of the public.
Abbi’s innovative approach to fostering a love of reading and improving literacy levels within the community has been widely acknowledged. Through her creative programming, inclusive events, and commitment to ensuring access to reading for people of all ages and backgrounds, Abbi has played a crucial role in making Somerton Community Library a hub for education and engagement.
Speaking about the award, Abbi expressed her appreciation:
“I’m really flattered to receive this award. Helping people discover the joy of reading and boosting literacy in our community has always been a passion of mine. This recognition inspires me to create more opportunities for people to experience and enjoy the world of books and learning.”
The Community Libraries Network Awards Programme recognizes outstanding achievements across various categories, showcasing the important role libraries play in communities. From literacy initiatives to providing essential resources, these awards highlight the profound contributions that community libraries make in empowering individuals and fostering learning.
The Awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday 9th October at Badbury Park Community Managed Library in Swindon.
Additional Information
For more information about Somerton Community Library and the award-winning work of Abbi Dowler, see ‘Contact Details’ below.
Photograph
The accompanying photograph is of Abbi with children from King Ina Academy during a weekly Library Club event in Somerton Community Library.
About the Community Libraries Network Awards Programme
The Community Libraries Network Awards celebrates the accomplishments of individuals and organizations within the community library sector. It recognises excellence and best practices in six categories. The program demonstrates the critical impact of community libraries on literacy, education, and cultural engagement.
About Somerton Community Library
Somerton Community Library is run as a community partnership between The Somerton Library Trust and Somerset Council. The Trust’s Object is:
The advancement of education for the public benefit by supporting the operation and maintenance of a public library in Somerton for the benefit of local residents.
Abbi is an employee of Somerset Council’s Library Service. Her working hours in the Library are funded by the Trust. She is supported on a daily basis by volunteers who are essential for day-to-day operations. The Library could not operate without the infrastructure and support provided by Somerset Council Library Service.
The Library is one of 160 public and partnership libraries linked through LibrariesWest which is a partnership between the library services of seven local authorities in the south west of England, working together to achieve efficiencies and provide an improved service to customers.
Contact Details:
Somerton Library Trust
Jeremy Greenop
[email protected]
07580 050 425
www.somertonlibrary.com
Somerset Council Community Libraries
Kirsty Jenssen – Community Libraries Manager
[email protected]
07818 529 176