Thanet librarians shortlisted for a national award say it's been "surreal"
The librarians say they were "just doing their job", by working with the youth football teams to promote reading and inclusion
James Fisher, a Customer Service Officer, and Zachary Wells, a Customer Service Assistant, who work in Thanet, are finalists in this year’s Libraries Connected Awards.
They're shortlisted in the 'Children and Young People' category, for their work with the Thanet District Representative Boys U12 and U13 football teams.
Talking to us, they said the idea came from their 'Know Your Neighbourhood' scheme, which aimed to tackle social isolation and loneliness.
When the time came to promote the programme, they decided that sponsoring local U12 and U13 football kits would be more eco-friendly, and a great way to engage with a demographic who often lose interest in the library.
It's led to a positive relationship that has had a wider impact on the community as a whole.
James Fisher said:
"We thought, if we sponsor their kit, we've got libraries there, there's a connection with them and they'll be advertising that with other kids their age around the country - and internationally as it turns out."
Last bank holiday weekend, the Thanet District Schools football team took a trip to the Netherlands, where they handed out books to other teams as representatives for the library as part of the National year of Reading campaign.
Fisher added that it's also promoted general library usage across the group, including training sessions to learn life skills such as first aid, and assisting elderly people in the community.
"You know, these are very sporty kids.
"Reading is not their number one priority. And for us also, with libraries, we're not just about books.
"There's more to us. We're very much community spaces. So it's 'how do we make ourselves relevant to them? What are we not providing that they would actually quite like?'
"Are we that third safe space they can come into as teens? Is that something they were even aware they could do?"
They also thanked the coaches, parents and wider community for their support when it came to getting the team engaged with the library projects.
Georgia Foster, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, said: “Well done to James and Zachary who have shown exceptional creativity and commitment to actively engaging with young people.
“Their dedication has made the library an inclusive space, where children, families and vulnerable individuals feel welcome and are supported.
“Their joint efforts have not only increased library visits from this age group but also fostered a sense of community.”
Isobel Hunter MBE, chief executive of Libraries Connected, said: “Huge congratulations to all the staff who have been shortlisted for the Libraries Connected Awards 2026.
“We had a record-breaking number of nominations this year and the range of projects put forward shows just how creative and committed library workers are, even in challenging times.
“It’s inspiring to see how staff respond to local needs, find new ways to connect people and ensure that libraries remain welcoming and trusted places for everyone. We’re delighted to recognise their achievements.”