Students celebrate love of reading

Young people in Frome and surrounding areas have celebrated a love of reading at an annual ceremony held at the Merlin Theatre.

The Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership’s School Book Award Ceremony brought students together, including those from Oakfield Academy and Frome College.

Student panels from across the trust read and voted on six shortlisted books, with their input solely deciding this year’s winner.

Students attended the ceremony alongside school library staff, shortlisted authors and guest author Tom Palmer, and took part in an author discussion panel chaired by Olive Morris, librarian at St Dunstan’s School. It was hosted by Frome College Library Manager Natalie Owsley and Principal Emma Reynolds, with Tom Palmer giving short speeches on the power of books.

The winner was Ravena Guron with Mondays Are Murder. Norton Hill School student judge Robert described the book as “thrilling, dangerous and deadly” and a “must-read”.

Students also browsed books at Winstone’s Hunting Raven pop-up bookshop, met authors and took part in a raffle for bookish prizes.

Organisers said the awards, now in their second year, are run by library staff across the trust to celebrate reading for pleasure, with thanks to all authors, staff and students involved, and to Winstone’s Hunting Raven Books and Bath Aqua Glass for their support.

Pictured right: Winner Ravena Guron. Left: Bath glass award. Below: he audience in the Merlin Theatre