Guille-Alles librarian is runner-up at UK awards
A LIBRARIAN at the Guille-Alles Library has been recognised for her work on the library’s USB service at a national awards service.
Community and wellbeing lead Jackie Burgess has been named first runner-up for the vision & print impaired people’s category at the Libraries Connected Awards.
‘I was thrilled,’ she said.
‘I am very happy to know I’ve been recognised and feel really honoured.’
The awards celebrate library staff who have had an impact on their community.
Ms Burgess has been working with the Guernsey Blind Association on making the library more accessible.
She came up with the idea of putting audio versions of the stories on USB sticks.
‘It started in 2018. I met with the Guernsey Blind Association to see what we could do to help,’ she said.
‘Chantelle from the Guernsey Blind Association contacted its members and asked what stories they wanted.’
The service has grown since Jackie started it in 2018 with 15 members, a number which has now doubled, and the library services about 30 visually-impaired people.
In 2023 the 'Stories on USB' service was expanded thanks to a grant from the Pargiter Trust. There are currently 27 active users of the service, all elderly people either housebound or living in care homes, and who between them listen to around 150 audiobooks each month.
Ms Burgess attended the Libraries Connected annual seminar yesterday to receive her award.
