Sarah Webb was presented with the 2024 LAI President’s Medal at the LAI AGM. Established in 2022, the President’s Medal honours individuals who, though not directly employed in libraries, have shown exceptional dedication to promoting libraries or issues vital to their mission. The award is decided following an open nomination procedure among LAI members and previous recipients include are Úachtarán na nÉireann, Michael D. Higgins, and broadcaster Ryan Tubridy.
In her citation, Eileen Morrissey mentioned that Sarah Webb has tirelessly championed reading, children’s literature, and the enduring significance of libraries over her long career. Sarah’s dedication to fostering a love of literature extends beyond her writing endeavours as a Creative Writing Teacher, Children’s Book Reviewer ,events manager at Halfway Up the Stairs children’s bookshop and Bright Sparks Family Programmer for MoLI (Museum of Literature Ireland).
Sarah gives readings and workshops in libraries all over Ireland inspiring children and young people and sharing her contagious passion for reading for pleasure and also the power of creativity and imagination. Sarah has also been writer in residence with DLR libraries and has been an Ireland Reads ambassador.
In her pursuit of promoting Irish children’s books and authors, Sarah launched the Discover Irish Children’s Books campaign, aiming to elevate the visibility and recognition of Irish children’s books. Through her tireless efforts, Sarah strives to ensure that Irish children’s literature receives the attention and acclaim it truly deserves. Sarah been awarded the Children’s Books Ireland Award for Outstanding Contribution to Children’s Books in Ireland and is a worthy awardee of the LAI Presidents Medal Award for 2024.