Posted on Tuesday 20th October 2020
Deb Smith and Liz Gardener
Two members of Staffordshire Libraries service have been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.
Liz Gardner, Stock Services and Activities Officer and Library Assistant Deb Smith, have both been shortlisted for the Best Library and Librarian category in the Romantic Novelists’ Association 2020 Industry Awards.
The nomination recognises their huge ongoing support for romantic fiction, with both loving to share their enthusiasm for books across the county’s 43 libraries.
Deb, who mainly works at Tamworth library champions books and reading both in and out of the library and is always keen to share the latest book news on twitter.
Liz who has been with the library service for 13 years has been active in promoting and raising awareness of the romantic genre and getting people together on the Staffordshire Libraries’ Book Chat Group on Facebook.
Deb said:
“It’s great to be nominated for this award. We’re often asked about books in the library and to recommend novels. I love to escape with a good romance, so it’s nice to be able to share with others. “
Liz said:
“It was a real surprise and an honour to be shortlisted for such a prestigious award. It has been a pleasure to help raise the profile of the RNA and awareness of the breadth of the romance genre.”
Victoria Wilson, Libraries Chief at Staffordshire County Council said:
“This is wonderful news for our libraries. Having one member of staff nominated for a national award is a real achievement, but having two is amazing.
“Our library staff and volunteers are passionate about books and reading and enjoy recommending new books to library users. Our libraries also continue to be hubs within local communities providing access to a huge range of services and online activities. Libraries also play an important cultural role, engaging with authors, and providing a broad range of reading material too. I wish Liz and Deb every success in the awards.”
The winner will be announced in a virtual ceremony on Thursday November 12th 2020.