Kirklees Libraries win award for supporting isolated residents with their English skills

Kirklees Libraries have done it again after winning yet another national award.

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

From left to right – Mazhar Iqbal, Ambreen Aziz and Becky Longwood from Kirklees Libraries.

Helping people practice their English

Residents can practice speaking, listening, reading and writing English through informal activities tailored to their needs and communities. The sessions make a huge difference to local residents and help them feel more connected in their communities. More than 300 participants have benefited from sessions since the program began in 2018.

About prizes

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

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

Richard Parry, strategic director for adults and health, said:

“Our amazing library service is an award-winning helping hand. From health and wellbeing to multiple New Year honors, Kirklees Libraries have time and again shown the impact they have in local communities across the borough.

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