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The School Library Association has shortlisted librarians from Yorkshire, Middlesex, Ireland and Italy for its annual School Librarian of the Year Award.
The shortlist includes Hilary Cantwell, librarian at St Paul's Community College in Waterford, Ireland, shortlisted for dealing with children from disadvantaged backgrounds, using experience from her time in New York schools and public libraries.
Lynn Hopson, librarian at Don Valley Academy in Yorkshire, is nominated for her role in establishing the Doncaster Book Award, getting children to select their favourite titles.
John Iona, librarian at Oasis Academy in Enfield, has been selected for the significant role he plays in curriculum planning and support in a school where 70% have English as a second language.
Also on the list is Sally Cameron, a librarian at Marymount International School in Rome, where she has helped both expat and native children to integrate though initiatives such as a "rise and read" breakfast session in the library.
Ginette Doyle, chair of the SLA School Librarian of Year selection committee, said: "SLA patron and former president Aidan Chambers’ original concept for the SLA School Librarian of the Year Award was that anyone working in a library serving a school community and demonstrating best practice was eligible.
"This year we have representation from Italy, the Republic of Ireland and the UK making it a truly international competition. All four honour list librarians fulfil Aidan’s criteria: all are exceptional. The nominated librarians submitted year on year are continually amazing us with their superb work."
The judging panel is made up of Doyle and previous winners or shortlisted librarians. The winner will be announced at a ceremony in London on 7th October.