Woodrow Library manager scoops top national award (From Redditch Advertiser)

Woodrow Library manager scoops top national award

12:21pm Monday 6th July 2009

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A WORCESTERSHIRE County Council library manager in Redditch is celebrating after receiving the prestigious national Council Worker of the Year award.

Steph Edkins, who has worked at Woodrow Library since 2006, scooped the title handed out by the Local Government Channel thanks to her tireless work in providing links and activities to the community.

The award ceremony was held in Harrogate. Colleagues from the county council picked up the award in Steph's absence, who was unable to attend due to ill health.

Eddie Clarke, director of adult and community services, said: "This is fantastic news, we are very pleased for Steph. She works really hard to make sure Woodrow Library delivers the kinds of services that local people want. The award also recognises the support given by residents of Woodrow and the commitment they have given to their local library service over the years. Well done Steph." Trish Haines, the county council's chief executive, said: "Congratulations to Steph, this is excellent news and fitting recognition for all the work she has carried out to help bring the community together. It shows what can happen when staff are creative in how we serve residents."

Steph has transformed the services on offer at the library by engaging with children, young people and residents, listening to their views and using the feedback to provide new initiatives.

One of the highlights of Steph's career to date has been the Shutter Project, where young people worked on a new design and spray-painted the library's shutters to make them a feature for customers to appreciate.

Some of the incentives she has been running from the library include; regular drop in sessions for the community with local beat officers, close work with Pertemps and Connexions providing employment advice sessions and a movie club where users watch a movie of their choice on the computers and then write a review and are encouraged to take the book.

To find out more about Steph’s work, visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk.

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