Save Our Libraries

I've had a crazy busy week.  My debut novel, More of Me, has been pushed into the world with a lot more ease than my babies were. Kind Of. The gestation period was considerably longer but the delivery a whole lot less painful. In fact, it was kind of wonderful. My friends and family ensured I had two sellout book launches and my publicists at Usborne have been shouting about my book from the rooftops. I've had some amazing reviews , so much so I can barely believe it's all happening. So, to ground myself firmly back on earth,  you'll be pleased to know I am  not going to talk about my book.

  If you want to read about the launch it's all here  but first...

School Librarian of the Year Award 2012

Adam (right) receives the award from
author Kevin Crossley-Holland who is
President of the School Library Association

Congrats to Adam Lancaster who is SLA School Librarian of the Year and Duston School for winning the Library Design Award. It was an inspiring event with many thrilling ideas about enthusing children into reading. But the awesome initiatives on display were made poignant by a constant awareness of the terrible challenges nibbling away at our libraries. When I was a kid, the library rescued me. But who's going to rescue the libraries?

Read my post on the SLA Librarian of the Year Award

Please participate in this online survey, part of a piece of research entitled Envisioning the Library of the Future, commissioned by Arts Council England. This programme of research will inform the development of the Arts Council’s long-term vision for public libraries in England. Go to the Survey 

Countdown to Christmas: Librarian Ferelith Hordon

Ferelith is the Children's Librarian for Balham Library in the London Borough of Wandsworth. She has been Chair of CILIP Youth Libraries Group which administers the Carnegie and Greenaway Awards. 'I have been a Children’s Librarian now for more years than I care to count – and have never regretted this choice,' she says. 'My passion is reading and I firmly believe that there is at least one magical book for everyone. The challenge is to find it. I am committed to the value of great books and storytelling, the power of words and pictures and the difference they can make.'

Ferelith Hordon

Sharing what you read is one of the greatest pleasures, and sharing within the family the icing. Reading aloud is one of the best ways to share - and what better time than when the nights are long and a bit cold. My wish is that everyone should be able to experience this sharing and should have the chance to listen to a great story read by a real person - someone they can touch. These stories are tried and tested - and can be enjoyed by all ages....granddads, dads, grannies and mums - and all the young. So curl up, cuddle up, turn lights down low....now begin..



The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling

101 Dalmations by Dodie Smith

Varjak Paw by S.F. Said

Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie