British Empire Medal for former mayor who helped save Bungay library

Suffolk Libraries vice chair, Sylvia Knights, has been recognised in the New Year's Honour's list.

Mrs Knights, from Bungay, is to receive the Order of the British Empire (BEM) honour for services to public libraries.

Having moved to the region in 2004, Mrs Knights has been described as a "community stalwart" who helped save Bungay’s library and transform it
into a popular hub.

Sylvia Knights (Image: Supplied)

Having been a director of Suffolk Libraries since its creation in 2012, the independent charity was launched to run the county’s library service and "make Suffolk a better place to live".

Thrilled officials have hailed Mrs Knights' honour - congratulating her for her "outstanding service to public libraries" in the county.

With Mrs Knights being passionate about the value of books and learning, a Suffolk Libraries spokesman said: "Sylvia has been involved in Suffolk Libraries for more than 10 years.

Back in 2011, the then Save Bungay Library campaign co-ordinator Sylvia Knights hands over the scrapbook 'What Bungay Library Means to Me' to the then Suffolk County Council leader Mark Bee. Photo: Angela Sharpe (Image: Newsquest)

"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."

Sylvia Knights, trustee of the Friends group and vice chairman of Suffolk Libraries, with Sir Laurie Magnus at the anniversary celebration earlier this year. Picture: Amanda King. (Image: Amanda King)

Bruce Leeke, chief executive of Suffolk Libraries, said: "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."

Mrs Knights has been a school governor for nine years, and serves as chair of governors at Bungay High School and chair of governors at Castle East School. 

Mrs Knights was instrumental in the creation and establishment of Castle East School in Bungay, a special school for pupils with communication and interaction difficulties - with both schools being members of East Anglian Schools Trust (EAST).

Mrs Knights has also been the Mayor of Bungay and its Town Reeve.