Lesley Sim and Martin Burton have today been named on the Queen’s Honours list. Both Lesley and Martin are trustees of Libraries Connected and will receive a BEM for their committed and inspiring work in libraries.

Martin is the Community Cultural Services manager for South Gloucestershire Council with responsibility for sports development, heritage, arts and libraries. He was involved in the creation of the LibrariesWest Consortium of seven authorities in the South West that deliver shared services to the sub region. Martin will receive a BEM for services to public libraries.

Lesley is Head of Libraries, Heritage and Registration for West Sussex County Council and has worked in libraries for over 40 years. Lesley is a passionate advocate of libraries as welcoming spaces at the heart of all communities and in the power of libraries, books, reading and access to information to enrich lives. Lesley will receive a BEM for services to libraries.

Mark Freeman, Libraries Connected President:

‘This year’s Queen’s Honours list reflects the amazing talent and dedication that the nominees bring to libraries around the country. I’ve worked closely with all these leaders over my career and I am so pleased that they have been recognised nationally for their many years of service. My sincere congratulations to them all.’

Two former chairs of ASCEL will also receive their MBEs: Sue Ball and Gillian Ruth Harris. Sue Ball, will receive an a MBE for her services to libraries. As chair, Sue oversaw the introduction of new resources which have helped libraries to deliver new and enhanced services to babies and families. She championed the Growing Well Toolkit and, as joint lead of the Health Offer Group, she is working with the Reading Agency to deliver the next phase of Reading Well.

Gillian Ruth Harris, will receive an MBE for her services to libraries in education. Gillian led ASCEL for almost three years and during her time helped pave the way for the Children’s Promise. She has had a huge impact at Tower Hamlets School Library Service and has been instrumental in establishing the Schools Library Service (SLS-UK) as a national brand.

Andrew Bignell will receive a BEM for services to public libraries. Andrew has championed the role libraries play in digital inclusion and has been committed to developing library services fit for the future needs of their communities. Andrew also served as Chair of Libraries Connected East of England region until 2017.

Barry Clark will receive a BEM for services to libraries. Barry is a leading light in the profession, pioneering library practice to support refugees and migrants and help build cohesive communities. Barry was the Chair of Libraries Connected’s West Midlands region until 2017 and also served on their Universal Reading Offer steering group.

Sally McMahon will receive a BEM for services to libraries. Sally is a leading advocate for library workforce development and has cultivated the role public libraries play in supporting customer access to digital information. Sally led the development of the Universal Information also helped create Libraries Connected’s free online courses for public library staff.