Suffolk Libraries is congratulating Sylvia Knights who is receiving a British Empire Medal for her outstanding service to public libraries in the New Year’s honour’s list.
Sylvia has been involved in Suffolk Libraries for over ten years. She has been a member of the board since Suffolk Libraries creation in 2012, serving first on the Interim Board and as an elected board member since 2013.
She was instrumental in setting up the Friends of Bungay Library, where she remains a trustee, and is very active in both the group’s activities and in promoting the library as a vital hub for the community. Taking initial responsibility for encouraging and assisting the creation of friends groups across the county, she continues to advise and assist with governance issues for Suffolk Libraries.
Bruce Leeke, Suffolk Libraries Chief Executive, said:
“We’re thrilled that Sylvia’s contribution is being acknowledged. She is highly regarded and respected both within Suffolk Libraries and amongst our many Friends groups. Her many years of voluntary service and passion for the library service has made her a brilliant advocate for Suffolk Libraries and she’s played a vital role in our success and the impact we make in so many of our communities.”
Sylvia has been a school governor for nine years, and serves as chair of governors at Bungay High School. She was instrumental in the creation and establishment of Castle East School in Bungay, a special school for pupils with communication and interaction difficulties, both schools being members of East Anglian Schools Trust (EAST). She has also been the Mayor and Town Reeve of Bungay.
You can read more about Sylvia in this Eastern Daily Press feature and she recently reflected on her memories of Suffolk Libraries for the organisation’s ten year birthday on our YouTube channel.
Last year, Suffolk Libraries' Deputy CEO Krystal Vittles received a British Empire Medal in the 2022 New Year's honour's list, and former Suffolk Libraries chair Tony Brown was awarded a British Empire Medal in the Platinum Jubilee honours list.
Long-term library champion Richard Fawcett, Chair of the Friends of Thurston library, also received a British Empire Medal in the 2020 New Year's honour list.
