By Joshua Robinson – 

Kirklees Librarians Ambreen Aziz, Becky Longwood, and Mazhar Iqbal have won the Libraries Connected Reading Award which recognises their work in running weekly English Talk sessions for Kirklees residents.

Residents can practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing English through informal activities tailored to their needs. Over 300 attendees have benefited from the sessions since the programme started in 2018.

About the Awards

The Libraries Connected Awards celebrate the achievements of library workers who have had an impact on their library service, users, or their local communities.

An expert panel considered the shortlist nominations including Lesley Parr, the award-winning author of children’s historical fiction. Parr was joined by judges from organisations including Arts Council England, The Reading Agency, the Queen’s Reading Room, the Guardian Foundation, and digital book platform OverDrive – creator of the Libby reading app for libraries and Sora reading app for schools.

Richard Parry, Strategic Director for Adults and Health said: “Our amazing library service is a dab hand at winning awards.  From health and wellbeing to multiple New Year’s Honours, Kirklees Libraries have shown time and again the impact they have in local communities in the borough.”

“The English Talk time sessions are a lifeline for those in the community who do not know English as a first language, helping them to better integrate and be more connected in their communities.  This in turn will help them to achieve better outcomes in health, education, and general wellbeing.  Congratulations to everyone involved.”

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