TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Thornbury school librarian who inspired and encouraged countless young people to get into reading.
Sheila Waller died aged 72 at the Beaufort Grange Care Home on Monday, April 8 following a long battle with dementia.
Ms Waller who worked at Marlwood School in Alveston was instrumental in launching the Concorde Book Award which still takes place today.
The annual awards - which were founded in 2007 - take place across the South Gloucestershire area where secondary school students vote for their favourite books.
Her family say Sheila will be remembered for her “wit and humour” and for her “friendly good nature”.
A family statement reads: “Sheila was a huge advocate of getting children reading and encouraging them to develop a lifelong reading habit.
“She inspired many young people during career as a school librarian, first at Henbury School in Bristol and later on at Marlwood School in Alveston.
“During her time at Marlwood she was instrumental in launching the Concorde Book Award, the award continues to this day and champions authors of children's literature and is voted for by children themselves.
“Sheila will be remembered for her wit and humour and for her friendly good nature.”
Sheila leaves behind her husband Peter, two children Paul and Sarah and a granddaughter Chloe.
A memorial celebration will take place at the Memorial Woodlands on May 9 at 2:00pm.
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