BWD Librarian shortlisted for a Libraries Connected Award

Blackburn with Darwen’s Community History Librarian Mary Painter has been shortlisted for a prestigious Libraries Connected Award!

The national Libraries Connected Awards celebrate the achievements of library workers who have had an exceptional impact on their library service, users or their local communities.

Mary is shortlisted in the Culture and Creativity category alongside five others.

She was shortlisted because:
Mary’s passion for her work, in particular local heritage and making collections accessible to users far and wide, is infectious and her positive ‘can do’ approach and sunny nature are a constant inspiration to colleagues and customers.

Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Growth and Development at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council said:

We are delighted that Mary has been shortlisted for an award and that Libraries Connected have recognised her important work. She has worked for our Libraries for almost 42 years and deserves praise and appreciation for the way she has supported both customers and staff. Congratulations Mary, we are very proud of you!

Libraries Connected are an independent charity that supports, promotes and represents public libraries.

Libraries Connected Chief Executive Isobel Hunter said: 

Every year I am staggered and delighted anew when I read about the vibrancy and creativity of the projects library professionals and volunteers have begun and then steered to success. By continuing to innovate and improve lives whilst working with what are often very challenging circumstances, library staff show themselves as the best possible advocates for adequately resourced public library services.

The shortlisted nominations will now be considered by an expert panel including library service professionals, publishers and experts from library and literacy charities.

The winners will be announced on June 10 at a ceremony during the Libraries Connected annual seminar in Warwickshire.