Scottish Book Trust has announced that nominations for the Bookbug Hero Award 2021 are now open.
Run in association with Walker Books, the award aims to honour someone working with Bookbug who has used the programme to make a real difference to the lives of the young children, families and communities they work with.
Scottish Book Trust is asking people across the country to nominate a librarian, early years worker, volunteer, health visitor, or anyone who uses Bookbug in their work. The winner will receive a special trophy and a bundle of picture books worth £500 from Walker Books.
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “It’s fitting to open nominations for the Bookbug Hero Award on International Literacy Day, as the Bookbug programme aims to support speech and language development through songs and rhymes.
“There are many fantastic Bookbug practitioners working across Scotland inspiring the next generation of readers and writers. Our thanks to Walkers Books for supporting the prize and allowing us to celebrate their work.”
Myra Mains, winner of the Bookbug Hero Award 2020, said: “I was overwhelmed but absolutely delighted to receive the very first Bookbug Hero Award.
“I have loved being involved with the Bookbug programme since it started in 2010. Sharing stories, songs and rhymes is fun but Bookbug is so much more than fun and having the opportunity to help share the many benefits to families is so rewarding in itself!
Bookbug is definitely a team effort and it’s an absolute joy to be part of Bookbug’s extended family!”
Jane Winterbotham, Publishing Director at Walker Books said: “We really appreciate all that Bookbug and the heroes who run the programmes do for communities and we are really pleased that we can continue to show our appreciation and support of that work by sponsoring the award.
“We love that it shines a light on those practitioners who champion reading, and work tirelessly to change lives through stories and can’t wait to hear more about the next winner!”
Nominations for the Bookbug Hero Award can be made online via Scottish Book Trust’s website.
The closing date for nominations is Friday 30 October 2020.