LMH alumnus Bobby Seagull (2003, MSc Mathematics) has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s New Year Honours list, in recognition of his services to public libraries.
A broadcaster, author and maths teacher, Bobby is a national advocate for libraries, literacy and numeracy. He is an ambassador for The Reading Agency, a UK charity that works to encourage reading, and a former library champion for the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP). In 2020, he was awarded an honorary fellowship by CILIP for his advocacy work, which included presenting a 10-point manifesto for libraries at the House of Lords and campaigning for long-term funding for public libraries.
Bobby was launched into the public eye in 2017 after captaining the Emmanuel College, Cambridge team to the semi-finals of the BBC’s University Challenge. Since then, he has combined his work as a teacher with regular media appearances, using these platforms to campaign on issues including education, libraries and numeracy.
After leaving university, Bobby qualified as a chartered accountant and worked as an investment banking trader before retraining as a maths teacher. In 2017, he also became an ambassador for the charity National Numeracy, which supports children and adults in developing confidence with everyday maths.
Bobby has remained connected with Lady Margaret Hall, serving on the Editorial Board of The Brown Book and returning regularly to speak with current students.
Reflecting on the honour, Bobby said:
“I’m thrilled to be recognised in the King’s New Year Honours list, but more importantly it gives me a platform to continue to champion the value of libraries in our communities.
As a child, my dad took my brothers and me every week to East Ham Library. Those visits helped shape who I am today. Since my time on BBC’s University Challenge, I’ve been fortunate to share my love of learning on TV and social media. Even now – with four book clubs – libraries remain central to my life and learning journey.
Libraries are the beating hearts of our high streets and communities. I’ll continue to campaign for them as a former CILIP (professional libraries body) UK Libraries Champion and current Reading Agency ambassador.
My MBE is dedicated to all our libraries and librarians. Libraries are free for everyone, so let’s use them, support them and ensure they’re properly funded. I might even bring my library card to the Palace to show the King!”
