Mrs. Rolt received nearly 10 per cent of the 14,000 votes that were submitted for the inaugural competition conducted by the Australian Library and Information Association, with more than 400 library workers nominated.

Winners for each state and territory were announced, with Mrs. Rolt taking out the NSW award as well as the overall title.

Mrs. Rolt, who has worked at Cessnock West for 10 years, was thrilled to be announced Australia’s Favourite Librarian and was amazed by the number of votes her community sent in.

She was attending a local conference for Maitland-area teacher-librarians on Friday when the award was announced, and said it was lovely to receive the award among her peers.

Mrs. Rolt said winning the award left her stunned.

“To know that I have had a positive impact on so many lives is an amazing feeling and this is something I will cherish for the rest of my life,” she said.

Mrs. Rolt said she always wanted to become a teacher, but “found her niche” when she landed the position of teacher-librarian.

She said the best thing about the role is that she gets to teach every child at the school, every week, for their whole primary school life.

She enjoys watching the delight on her students faces when they discuss their favourite books, and also loves the enthusiastic community who come to the book fairs the school holds during Book Week fully dressed up to the theme.

“I love working here – the kids are amazing, the staff are brilliant, and the community is so supportive,” Mrs. Rolt said.

Cessnock West principal Cathie Ferguson said the award was a wonderful reflection on the school community.

“It sends an enormously positive message to our school community about the value of reading and the enjoyment of literature,” she said.

The announcement of Australia’s Favourite Librarian kicked off the beginning of Library and Information Week (May 20-26).