Jon Davis, a Customer Service Manager at Dewsbury Library, has recieved a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2021 New Year’s Honours list.
Jon has been working at Kirklees Libraries since 2004 and has received the award for services to public libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As well as being a Customer Service Manager, jon is also the Co-Chair of the Public and Mobile Libraries Group with national library body CILIP.
During the pandemic, Jon led on the organisation of welfare calls to vulnerable people, developed an IT platform to enable staff to work effectively from home, and managed premises compliance and safety to allow libraries to open safely after lockdown.
‘Team Award’
Speaking on his award, Jon said: “I was surprised and proud to be notified of my award in the New Year Honours list.
Whilst I have been very busy this year, we all have. I, therefore, feel this is something of a team award since I am just one member of the extremely successful and hard-working staff of Kirklees Libraries.”
‘Vital Support‘
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Corporate said: “I am delighted to hear that Jon will receive a British Empire Medal.
“He joins a growing band of library staff that have received national recognition for the fantastic work they do in serving the people of Kirklees.
“Kirklees Libraries have always been at the heart of the community and more so during the response to COVID-19.
“They have provided vital support to the most vulnerable people in our communities including reaching out to people who are feeling lonely and isolated during these unprecedented times. Congratulations to Jon.”
‘Above and Beyond’
Carol Stump, Chief Librarian said: “It’s always fantastic news when one of your team is recognised with an award, and Jon’s BEM is no exception.
He’s been front and centre in our efforts to operate an effective library service during the pandemic, going above and beyond and doing whatever has been required – delivering IT equipment to home working staff and organising welfare calls to vulnerable people.
“This honour is also a recognition of many years of service at a national level, for his work with CILIP, in particular, editing the Public and Mobile libraries group journal.”
Jon joins Development Librarian Judith Robinson who received a British Empire Medal in 2019 in recognition of her work with adult learners.