Looking for the next Bookbug hero

The national charity, which runs the Scotland-wide Bookbug programme for young children and families, is asking people across the country to nominate a librarian, early years worker, volunteer, health visitor, or anyone who uses Bookbug in their work.

Run in association with Walker Books, the award honours someone who has made a real difference to the lives of young children, families and communities they work with.

Marc Lambert, Scottish Book Trust CEO, said: “Bookbug touches the lives of so many young families all over Scotland, in libraries, early years and nursery settings and also through the health service.

"Without this work, many families and children would not discover the fun and lifelong benefits of sharing stories, songs and rhymes. We are grateful to Walker Books for their support in helping us recognise these heroes in local communities.”

Ian Keane, winner of the Bookbug Hero Award 2022, said: “I was very surprised to win the Bookbug Hero Award. The idea expressed by the people who nominated me was that somehow during Covid times, I had offered an anchor that helped bring a bit of stability to the week. However, the truth is they offered me an anchor, a light to cling to in darker times, I'll forever be grateful to the attendees for recalling me to life. I think without Bookbug we have all been a lot poorer – it is a panacea for our times.”

Ed Ripley, Walker UK Sales and Marketing Director: “At Walker we appreciate the huge impact individuals can have on supporting communities to grow their reading culture, and as such we’re delighted to get behind any initiative that celebrates and applauds these individuals.

"Scottish Book Trust’s programmes have a huge impact on families and young people, and the vast array of practitioners who help implement them do stellar work, so we are thrilled to support the Bookbug Hero Award.”

Nominations can be made online via the Scottish Book Trust’s website. The closing date for nominations is Friday, November 4 and the winner will receive a special trophy and a bundle of picture books worth £500.