Gainsborough Library manager shortlisted for national award

Mandy Grimwood, manager of Gainsborough Community Library, has been shortlisted for the Health and Wellbeing award from Libraries Connected, an organisation which advocates for libraries and the work they do for communities.

Krystal Vittles, Head of Service Delivery at Suffolk Libraries, said:

"Mandy works far and beyond her job description in an area of marked poverty and complex needs. Mandy and her team are quite often the safe place for children with chaotic homes and she provides them with space, a range of activities and a listening ear for concerns. She also works hard for other vulnerable groups to ensure they have a safe space and receive a range of help for their needs.

During the pandemic Mandy could see how badly her community was affected and working with her Friends group, Mandy fundraised and created food boxes full of filling, nutritious food (plus fruit and vegetables) and handed these out to homes most in need. She also handed out good quality ex-children's books and activity packs to these families to keep them entertained during the lockdown.

"Some of the learning from Mandy's endeavours has helped Suffolk shape how they are approaching hardship into the future and how they can widen their reach across the county."

Libraries Connected announced their Health and Wellbeing shortlist on 6 September, and the winners of each award will be announced at the annual Libraries Connected Awards ceremony taking place on 19 October.