AN Inverclyde librarian has been nominated for a national award for her work to integrate a health and wellbeing focus in the area’s libraries.

Alison Nolan is shortlisted for the Scotland’s Library and Information Professional of the Year Award.

The prize will be handed out at the upcoming Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals Scotland conference.

Alison has worked for Inverclyde Council’s libraries service for six years.

The nomination recognises her efforts to build on existing and forge new partnerships in the libraries service following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Her work aims to ensure communities across Inverclyde receive resources and support to prioritise their health and wellbeing.

Alison’s nomination also notes that she has ‘consistently’ advocated for the ‘crucial’ role libraries play in literacy for adults and children.

She said: “I am delighted to have been nominated for this award.

“I love working in libraries and as society’s needs shift and change we need to stay relevant and redefine our role in our communities.

“Our libraries in Inverclyde are abut much more than books – although that’s still essential!

“They are community hubs where people can come and get support for their health and wellbeing.”

CILIPS director Sean McNamara added: “We have an exceptional field of nominees this year from a range of sectors.

“They represent some of the best librarians in the country and it's hugely inspiring to see so much good work going on in challenging times, we wish them all well."

Alison will be up against nominees from NHS Lanarkshire, Girvan Library and Forfar Academy at the conference, which will be held in Dundee on Monday.