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Derbyshire Libraries' Book Pushers project is one of five projects competing for the Love Libraries award and faces a public vote to select the winner. The award celebrates the work libraries do with young people and attracted 48 nominations from across England. The winner will receive a Trophy and £2,000 towards the project.
Derbyshire Libraries Book Pushers are teenage reading advocates trained by library staff to spread their love of reading among other young people. They give presentations in schools and libraries; influence the selection of library books; produce creative displays of their recommended reads; deliver training for library staff to help improve services and encourage more people to discover all the great things libraries have to offer.
Love Libraries voting starts on Monday 13 August and closes on Friday 14 September with the winner announced at an awards ceremony in London on Wednesday 3 October. People can pick up a ballot paper at one of the nominated libraries or vote online at the Love Libraries website where further information about the finalists can be found.
John Dolan, Head of Library Policy at the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) said: "This is a really exciting time for libraries and the outstanding quality of entries we received shows just how innovative and cutting edge libraries are when it comes to engaging with young people."
Annie Everall, Service Manager (Children and Young People), Derbyshire County Council added: "Book Pushers shows how young people can be powerful and effective advocates for encouraging a love of reading and promoting the use of libraries. These young people have made a big impact in Derbyshire and beyond, while also building and developing their own skills, confidence and reading tastes."
Derbyshire Libraries Book Pusher (aged 15) is hooked:"There are lots of great things that come with working for the Book Pusher project. You get to meet new people, see new places and have your voice heard. Being a Book Pusher has helped me to develop many skills that may help my in future life such as confidence, team working and presentational skills. The project has helped me to try new things and has helped me to enjoy the pleasures that come from reading and then talking about books to others who may not have previously considered them a worthwhile hobby."
The other finalists are:
- Urban Art at Birmingham Central Library - regular creative workshops for a group of young homeless people to create a vibrant display of urban art outside the central library,
- Youth Forum in Grangetown Library - a monthly forum where young people have their say about what’s hot and what’s not in their local community. They project has designed an outdoor garden and play area with plants and seating to make the library a more enjoyable place to spend time,
- Variety Shows in Lambeth Libraries, entertaining young people by showcasing local talents of singers, dancers, poets, performers and musicians in a safe environment,
- Get it Loud in Lancaster Library, offering a library experience with a difference with some of the hottest new bands performing in the library.
