Betty Gilderdale Award 2008 goes to Tauranga

Lois Rout of Tauranga, (pic left celebrating her 70th), is the recipient of the 2008 Storylines Betty Gilderdale Award, given by the Storylines Children’s Literature Trust for outstanding community service to promote books and reading for children.

“As librarian and teacher for the Tauranga Public Library and Mount Maunganui Intermediate School, and founding member of Bookrapt, the Bay of Plenty Children’s Literature Association, Lois has worked tirelessly to support children's books and reading in the Bay of Plenty region,” says Storylines Trust chairperson Dr Libby Limbrick.

“Her contribution is an outstanding example of regional leadership, not only through her professional work but also as a volunteer organizing workshops, seminars and many other local events to help children become lifelong readers.”

The Betty Gilderdale Award, acknowledging the contribution of author, historian and former tertiary teacher Betty Gilderdale, is given annually by the Storylines Trust for outstanding services to children’s literature.

Previous winners include writers Dorothy Butler, Elsie Locke and Ron Bacon, literary agent Ray Richards and in 2007 Katerina Te Heikoko Mateira.

The Bookman extends his warmest congratulations to Lois who is indeed a truly worthy recipient of this most prestigious award, she joins an illustrious group.