Top Ten New Librarian

Laura Warnock

Community Health Officer

Sunderland Library Service

Length of Service: 1 year

Age: 29

Laura has launched a Books on Prescription scheme with 54 doctors’ practices, engaged with 1,736 people including 663 substance misuse clients and 94 children. She has hosted library-based courses including nail art and decoupage, held men’s health MOTs and is setting up a garden allotment!

“Mums who have struggled with drugs bringing their daughters to the library for a special time together... victims of substance misuse proudly showing off their cookery and health qualifications... youngsters at risk of offending composing songs in the library about health and lifestyles choices ..., I have seen all this as the country’s first library-based community health officer.

“I am passionate about the role public libraries can play in community development and information services and know that libraries can design their services to improve quality of life for clients.

“I’ve been a library member since I was small and while books are important, public libraries are great places for really making a difference in people’s lives.”