Here on the Libraries blog, we’re shining a spotlight on those recognised for services to public libraries or who have worked within them as part of the work they have been awarded honours for.
Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Sarah Hassan, Norfolk Libraries. For services to Public Libraries and Reading.
Sarah Hassan recently retired as the Head of Libraries Development for Norfolk County Council Library and Information Service after an almost 40 year career.
Sarah joined the Norfolk library service from Luton library in 1989, initially as the training officer helping to get staff up to speed on the new computer system which replaced the old ticket system for borrowing books.
In 1997 she moved into managing the libraries in south Norfolk and over time, that remit expanded so she was managing half of the county's libraries.
In 2023, she became head of libraries development, while also chairing the Libraries Connected national Universal Reading Offer Group - which helps to promote reading in all its forms. She helped to prepare libraries for National Year of Reading
Iain Varah, CEO, Vision Redbridge & former Chair of The Chief Cultural & Leisure Officers Association. For services to Public Libraries, Culture and Leisure.
Iain has been at the heart of Vision Redbridge’s development and success since its inception. Through his leadership, extensive professional networks, collaborative approach and wealth of experience, he has spearheaded the organisation’s growth from a leisure trust into one of the country’s most diverse charitable culture and leisure organisations.
Beyond Redbridge, Iain has played an influential role in shaping the culture and leisure sector nationally. He currently serves as Vice Chair of Community Leisure UK, the representative body for more than 100 charitable leisure and culture trusts across England, Scotland and Wales. Together, these organisations manage over 3,700 public facilities, including swimming pools, gyms, libraries, parks and cultural venues, generating an estimated £1.9 billion of social value during 2025/26. He has served as the main libraries representative on the Board of Chief Culture and Leisure Officers Association (CLOA) and played an important role in supporting the public libraries sector during the COVID-19 period.
Iain is also a former Chair and Honorary Member of CLOA and continues to serve on its Executive Committee as Honorary secretary.
Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)
Neil Barclay, civilian librarian, HM Prison Thameside. For services to prisoner rehabilitation.
Neil Barclay is an award-winning civilian librarian at HMP Thameside. Through this role Neil has displayed outstanding dedication, skill and creativity in transforming the prison’s library into a dynamic learning and resource centre, much valued by prisoners and staff.
Lena Smith, Library Programme Manager at Pen to Print. For services to Public Libraries in Barking and Dagenham.
Lena Smith has been at the heart of the innovative writer development programme, Pen to Print (P2P), which is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. She has worked tirelessly to develop engagement with her local community through this programme, which was established in 2014 to build a network of support for aspiring writers in Barking and Dagenham.
Nominate somebody for an Honour
There are so many people at all levels across the libraries sector that do great things; on the frontline and volunteering, as well as those in senior positions.
If you know of someone who you think deserves a national honour then please put them forward for an honour! Anyone can nominate.
Candidates need to have:
- Made a real impact in their community or workplace.
- Exemplified the very best of sustained and selfless public or voluntary service.
- Gained the respect of their peers.
- Changed things for the better.
- Demonstrated innovation or entrepreneurship.
In reflection of our diverse society, we encourage nominations for female candidates and under-represented groups such as those from an ethnic minority background, LGBTQ+ and disabled people.
You can find information on how to submit a nomination on GOV.UK.
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