Fitt recognised in 2020 Scottish Book Awards

Writer and publisher Matthew Fitt has received the Outstanding Contribution to Children’s Books Award in this year's Scottish Book Awards.

The awards recognise those who have "inspired a love of books in children across the country through their hard work and commitment to building a reading culture in schools, libraries and the local community".

Fitt co-founded the Itchy Coo imprint to promote Scottish language books to children.

Yvonne Manning, principal librarian of children’s services for Falkirk council, received the Learning Professional Award for her work in the local community. She has been awarded £500 worth of books to continue her work in the library service.

She said: “I’m completely thrilled and overwhelmed to hear that I had been chosen for the Learning Professional Award. I am passionate about literacy, especially the power of reading for enjoyment and storytelling, and to be given this recognition by the inspirational and wonderful Scottish Book Trust is something quite magical.”

Myra Mains, senior library assistant for young people’s services at Inverclyde libraries, is the recipient of the inaugural Bookbug Hero Award, Bookbug being Scotland's universal early years book gifting programme. Run in association with Walker Books, Mains will receive a collection of picture books worth £500 to support the local community.

Marc Lambert, c.e.o at Scottish Book Trust, said: “Congratulations to the three winners of the Scottish Book Trust Awards 2020. Every year, we celebrate individuals who have impacted on their local community and beyond, inspiring readers and writers of all ages across Scotland. We would like to thank Matthew Fitt, Yvonne Manning and Myra Mains for being the pillars of reading culture within libraries, schools and communities."

English Teacher at Dunfermline High School Emma Philips and family support and kinship team manager Jodie Reeser were among those highly commended. Also included were volunteer Bookbug session leaders Kirstie Burns and Ishbel Campbell.

The annual awards are sponsored by Brown Books for Students and Walker Books.