| Christmas approaches fast and 2015 will not be far behind |
Just before it steals itself away let's deal with December. Ugly things are happening in various parts of the world (is it always so?).
So let's try and remain hopeful.....
Rhydyfelin Library was once more in the news. This time a few of us were interviewed on BBC Radio 4 on the five o'clock news. The piece raised the issue of volunteer run libraries and that is something we will vigorously oppose.
I don't mean to disrespect volunteers but being a librarian is, for me, a highly skilled profession. I want dynamic, passionate,thoughtful librarians who are at the heart of their community. The volunteer agenda seems to denigrate and disrespect the profession. Would you want volunteers running schools and hospitals?
Without wishing to repeat earlier blogs on the subject it is proven that reading for pleasure is the key that unlocks education for all of us.
It was interesting to work in another prison this month too and I was again struck by the men's honesty in their approach to writing and their passion for their prison library.
So let's try and remain hopeful.....
Rhydyfelin Library was once more in the news. This time a few of us were interviewed on BBC Radio 4 on the five o'clock news. The piece raised the issue of volunteer run libraries and that is something we will vigorously oppose.
I don't mean to disrespect volunteers but being a librarian is, for me, a highly skilled profession. I want dynamic, passionate,thoughtful librarians who are at the heart of their community. The volunteer agenda seems to denigrate and disrespect the profession. Would you want volunteers running schools and hospitals?
Without wishing to repeat earlier blogs on the subject it is proven that reading for pleasure is the key that unlocks education for all of us.
It was interesting to work in another prison this month too and I was again struck by the men's honesty in their approach to writing and their passion for their prison library.
The photo here is performing in a pub in Newport in aid of Stow Hill Library.
In January next year I've been asked by a local authority to become their Ambassador for every child being a member of libraries. I'm looking forward to it....never had delusions of grandeur and not going to start now....but me!! .......an Ambassador....whatever next?
Which brings me neatly on to books. December saw the launch of the latest book I've been involved in and it's a collaborative affair with many agencies. I was asked to work with a group of parents and help them to develop a story that could be turned into a picture book for children. We had a lot of fun over a few weeks and came up with 'Petra the Penguin'. I gave this to an illustrator friend of mine (the fantastic Rachel Tudor Best) and we now have a wonderful book that is selling like hot cakes. I might be biased but it is a wonderful story. Here's a couple of pictures from the launch event......if you get the chance please buy it!!
And if you're near the Three Horseshoes pub in Frampton on Severn in Gloucestershire tomorrow night I'll be there so please come on down for a great night of poetry and song...starts at 7.30pm be great to see you.......
In January next year I've been asked by a local authority to become their Ambassador for every child being a member of libraries. I'm looking forward to it....never had delusions of grandeur and not going to start now....but me!! .......an Ambassador....whatever next?
Which brings me neatly on to books. December saw the launch of the latest book I've been involved in and it's a collaborative affair with many agencies. I was asked to work with a group of parents and help them to develop a story that could be turned into a picture book for children. We had a lot of fun over a few weeks and came up with 'Petra the Penguin'. I gave this to an illustrator friend of mine (the fantastic Rachel Tudor Best) and we now have a wonderful book that is selling like hot cakes. I might be biased but it is a wonderful story. Here's a couple of pictures from the launch event......if you get the chance please buy it!!
And if you're near the Three Horseshoes pub in Frampton on Severn in Gloucestershire tomorrow night I'll be there so please come on down for a great night of poetry and song...starts at 7.30pm be great to see you.......
RSS Feed
