Congratulations, Mrs Ros Harding – The School Librarian of the Year 2019!

After being recognised on the Honour List of The School Librarian of the Year Award, our Head Librarian and Archivist, Mrs Ros Harding, has been announced as The School Librarian of the Year for 2019!

The national event was held at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel London on Thursday 27 June where 2019 YA Book Prize winner Sara Barnard announced the winner. The ceremony was a celebration of the three Honour List Librarians who were gifted with an honour certificate and a specially drawn ‘library owl’ illustration by Chris Riddell (SLA President, 3 time Greenaway winner, past Children’s Laureate). The pupil librarians that joined Ros all came away with one of Chris’ drawings. 

Sue Bastone, Chair of the SLA School Librarian of the Year Selection Committee, said: “It was a real honour to visit the three exceptional librarians on this year’s Honour List and it was incredibly difficult for the judges to pick a winner. Ros’ professionalism and contribution to teaching and learning make her a highly valued equal among her teaching colleagues. Her caring and inclusive nature is appreciated by students, staff and parents, many of whom describe her as inspiring, not least in the way she makes things happen to the benefit of all who come into contact with her, from junior school pupils to the Senior Leadership Team.”

The Chief Executive of the School Library Association, Alison Tarrant, has said: “The Honour List this year are fantastic examples of the impact that effective school libraries can have, as shown by the affection and respect with which pupils and teaching staff talk about them. Ros has ‘redefined the role’ according to her nominee and all prove that the stereotype of a school librarian who sits behind a desk and stamps books is just that – a stereotype.”

King’s Senior Deputy Head, Dr Jane Byrne, who joined Ros at the event, said: “The celebration for those on the Honour List for the School Librarian of the Year was joyous but the whoops of extra joy from the King’s table when the winner was declared were completely heartfelt. The work Ros does in school, not just in the library, is creative, inspiring and unstinting. I could not be more thrilled that this should be noted on a National scale. Congratulations, Mrs Harding!”

When asking Ros about the award she said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have received this award. The Honour List was incredibly strong and it really was an honour to share the celebrations with two amazing school librarians. I am now looking forward to the opportunities the year ahead will bring and the chance to spread the word about the difference school libraries make to children.”

Please see the video below which highlights why our staff and students are so proud of Mrs Harding.