THE woman in charge of the public library in Wellington and every other community in Somerset has been recognised for her work with the award of an MBE.
Somerset's long-serving public libraries manager Sue Crowley is among fewer than a dozen people across the county to be included in the New Year's Honours List.
Mrs Crowley’s contribution to public library services began as a A-Level student when she volunteered to help in her local library.
She left Somerset to complete a degree in librarianship but returned in 1990, sicn when she has worked in ‘probably every part of the libraries service’ before taking the lead role in 2012.
Mrs Crowley said: “Libraries are a powerful resource that are often underestimated.
“Talk with any member of staff and they will be able to share stories about how a visit to the library has helped make a difference to people’s lives, sometimes in very practical ways, such as helping to find a job, sometimes in less obvious ways by providing a place of safety, or even refuge.
“I feel I am accepting this award on behalf of all those who have worked and who will continue to work in our libraries ensuring they remain relevant, welcoming and fun places.
“They help us make sense of what is an increasingly divisive and chaotic world and as I work towards my own retirement in a few months’ time I will look forward to continuing to visit and use libraries once again as a very happy library user.”
Other awards include a BEM for Andrew Samuel, who lives in Taunton but who grew up in Wellington, where he is still actively involved with the town’s operatic society.
Mr Samuel was honoured for his services to the community of Somerset, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic when he helped to set up a support group and community shop in the Wilton and Sherford area of the county town.
He is the son of Allan and Shirley Samuel, of Seymour Street, Wellington, and attended Beech Grove and Court Fields schools before going to work for Relyon, and is now operations manager for an IT consultancy in London.
Mr Samuel said he joined a group helping during the pandemic when it was clear people needed help but did not know where to look for it.
He said: “We had an army of people helping in so many different ways, collecting prescriptions or groceries, dog walking, even window cleaning.”
Mr Samuel joined Wellington Arts Association in 1997 and was a management committee member for 17 years until 2021.
He plays the drums and appeared in last year’s Wellington Operatic Society production Our House and is currently rehearsing for The Little Shop of Horrors, which will be performed in May.