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April 2016
No.421
“WE WON!!!”
Photo Credit: The Diss Express
WE WON!! I was so thrilled that Stradbroke Library/Post Office won a prestigious national library award at the Edinburgh EDGE conference 2016. We had been shortlisted for the social category award so I attended the conference. It was nerve wracking waiting for the results. I had to sit through the Gala dinner until they announced the winners. Luckily there was white wine on the table to help me through! It was an amazing achievement for us in Stradbroke especially if you think that last year Manchester City library won one of these awards and this year it was Stradbroke library, a small rural library in Suffolk. The judges comments were:
‘Re-thinking services is at the heart of a successful, modern library. Stradbroke Library Post Office exemplifies how libraries can be the heart of the community, and the vital role both libraries and post offices play in enhancing community life and wellbeing. The increasing number of visits and issues, not to mention the increase in non-users visiting the library, is testimony to the success of the initiative. Through co-location and working in partnership with the local community and by looking to increase its income, Stradbroke embodies a forward-looking and engaged way of working that is as exciting as it is commendable. Many congratulations to all involved and for their hard work.’ Back to reality and running the Library/Post Office/Café… more info on what’s happening this month on page 18! Maureen John