Danielle Smith, a class teacher at Woodside Primary School in the town, was selected as one of four winners of the charity’s award.
A Hamilton teacher has been announced as Scottish Book Trust’s Reading Champion for 2026.
Danielle Smith, a class teacher at Woodside Primary School in the town, was selected as one of four winners of the charity’s award.
The Reading Champion Awards, in association with Browns Books, recognise the reading role models whose fantastic work inspires others to read for pleasure. This includes school librarians, teachers and those who organise book events that promote reading within the community.
Danielle impressed judges with her dedication to creating a ‘Reading for Pleasure’ culture within the school. One of her initiatives included the ‘Reading Rockets’ pupil voice group where children can voice their opinions on how to make reading for pleasure a fun and creative experience within the school.
She also runs a lunchtime ‘Junior Librarian’ club where the children lead the improvements on the library areas throughout the school for their peers. She encourages parents to share their enjoyment of reading with their children, organises activities for Book Week Scotland and invites authors to visit the school, as inspiration for children’s love and writing.
Danielle said: “What an honour to be recognised for something you are so passionate about. The most rewarding part of this journey has been watching the children in my school fall in love with reading and hearing parents say their children can’t put books down.
“When children actively seek me out to chat about their latest book, I know we’re making a real difference. This award celebrates not just my work, but the growing community of readers we’re building together. I’m excited to continue inspiring even more young readers and families to discover the joy of books.”
Winners receive £250 worth of books for their school or library. An independent panel chooses winners based on their impact on reading culture.
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The winners were announced during World Book Day. And with 2026 being the National Year of Reading, Scottish Book Trust believes it’s more vital than ever to encourage reading for pleasure. It has been shown to improve pupils’ attainment levels, as well as their mental health and wellbeing.
Danielle was nominated by Eileen McKellar, depute head teacher at Woodside Primary. Eileen said: “Danielle is an excellent ambassador for Reading for Pleasure and it has been amazing to see the effect that her work has had on encouraging pupils to read for enjoyment bug.”
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “Congratulations to this year’s Reading Champions who are deservedly being celebrated for their tireless work in promoting the joy of reading to young people. Reading for pleasure has been proven to bring many important benefits to children, including boosting wellbeing, family bonding and attainment levels, and setting them up for a successful future.
“It’s heartening to see the fantastic work these reading champions are undertaking across the country, to inspire children and teens to read for pleasure.”
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