Congratulations to Libby Allman, Plymouth Group Member
We wanted to end 2023 on a celebratory note with the wonderful news that one of our longest standing members and tireless supporter and promoter of books and reading has been honoured by Plymouth Marjon University.
The Federation of Children’s Book Groups would like to congratulate Libby Allman on her award of an honorary Master’s Degree from the University of St.Mark and St. John (Marjon) in Plymouth. Libby was awarded her degree at the graduation ceremony in October in St. Andrews Minister Church in Plymouth.
Marjon, a university situated on the edge of Dartmoor, is renowned for its excellence in Teacher Training. Libby has worked with a large number of the staff and students, over the years, in her roles within the FCBG. It is recognition of the many years of service that Libby has given, in Plymouth, to promote reading for pleasure that she has received her award.
Libby established the Plymouth Book Group over 40 years ago. She has organised hundreds of events for children, schools, families and libraries over the years. When you talk to teachers, parents and librarians in Plymouth they know who she is and that she can help with book recommendations and exciting events. Libby has inspired many people to become involved with the Federation and has inspired countless children to love reading.
This is a very fitting honour awarded to a local ‘treasure’.
Please read on for the introduction of Libby from Sally Eales, Senior Lecturer at the university.
“I have the pleasure in presenting Honorary Graduand Libby Allman for the Degree of Master of Education, “Honoris Causa”. With this degree the University recognises and congratulates her on an outstanding contribution to promoting a love of reading and children’s literature across the city of Plymouth and farther afield. Libby has been highly involved over several decades at both national and local level in the Federation of Children’s Book Groups, a voluntary, self-funded organisation promoting enjoyment of reading and encouraging the availability of books for children of all ages, from baby to young adult. Libby’s passion for reading and knowledge of all kinds of children’s literature has involved her in co-ordinating author visits to schools and arranging all types of book events from bedtime stories and hot chocolate for very young children to national conferences and book awards. If you have been a pupil, parent, member of staff or trainee in a Plymouth primary or secondary school in the last 30 years, you have probably been directly or indirectly influenced by Libby. She continues to inspire children of all ages, teachers, trainees and school librarians with that most precious gift – a love of reading.”
Congratulations to Libby from all of us at the FCBG!