Dewsbury librarian surprised with BEM in Queen's New Year Honours

Jon Davis has received a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2021 New Year’s Honours list.

He has been working at Kirklees Libraries since 2004, and has received the award for services to public libraries during COVID-19.

He is currently the Customer Service Manager at Dewsbury Library and is also the Co-Chair of the Public and Mobile Libraries Group with national library body CILIP.

"I was surprised and proud to be notified of my award in the New Year Honours list. Whilst I have been very busy this year, we all have," he said. "I therefore feel this is something of a team award, since I am just one member of the extremely successful and hard-working staff of Kirklees Libraries.”

During the pandemic Jon led on the organisation of welfare calls to vulnerable people, developed an IT platform to enable staff to work effectively from home, and managed premises compliance and safety to allow libraries to open safely after lockdown.

Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Corporate said: “I am delighted to hear that Jon will receive a British Empire Medal. He joins a growing band of library staff that have received national recognition for the fantastic work they do in serving the people of Kirklees.

“Kirklees Libraries have always been at the heart of the community and more so during the response to COVID-19. They have provided vital support to the most vulnerable people in our communities including reaching out to people who are feeling lonely and isolated during these unprecedented times. Congratulations to Jon.”