Why should we love our Libraries?

What a great place the library can be, full of different books on different subjects. Books full of information and stories, with words that can take you beyond your imagination

“The best way to travel is by book, you can go anywhere you like.” (Benjamin Zephaniah)

Where indeed would you go?

Over the years I’ve worked with a few of my local ‘Surrey Libraries and am always given a friendly welcome. On occasion I’ve come along to meet and chat to the public, make badges and share my writing journey. I’ve also had the chance to meet classes from local schools.

It was great to hear once again from the lovely librarian, Tina Campey, at Merstham library. What a pleasure to be asked to come along and meet the readers.

Tina had arranged and organised a trip for two reception classes, from a local school to come along and visit me. Today I was ready with books to talk about and to read.

There were to be two sessions, ten o’clock and half past ten.

The children had walked to the library and once shown where they could leave their coats, they marched along to meet their visiting author.

I shared a few tales of the real bus and read my latest story, ‘Maggie’s Red Circus Bus’. The class sang a few of the bus songs from ‘Bus Rhymes and Playtime’ including my version of ‘The Wheels on the Bus’ , but Maggie’s book hadn’t been written when I wrote this rhyme so she didn’t have a verse. I asked the class to suggest a verse and we added ‘Maggie’s wipers go swish, swish, swish.’  

Some of the children had an envelope with money to buy a signed copy of a book of their choice.

The second class arrived soon after and again they got ready to sit and listen to a few tales.

For this class I told them the story of ‘Jay-Jay the Supersonic Bus’. Once again, the children enjoyed the singing.

As the children were choosing their book for me to sign, one of the mummy helpers was pleased to share a photo with me, her son had met me previously and made a badge. He was two and now almost five. The book he had chosen then was still Rowan and daddy’s favourite book. What a lovely surprise and a great end to the very special visit.

Lovely to see you today, Rowan met you at Merstham Library in 2022 when he was almost 2 and now he’s 5 and still loves your books! Looking forward to reading our new one tonight and introducing his baby brother to your books too! 

(Sophia, Rowan and Austin - and Dad George is a fan too!)

A friendly, welcoming library, I’m sure many of todays visitors will come back and visit the library, with my books available to loan perhaps they might take out another of my stories.

School Feedback: -

The best part was the experience of visiting the library, to meet and listen to a real author and singing song

Library Feedback: -

I so appreciate you coming to Merstham and meeting some of the younger children of Furzefield School. The teachers were certainly delighted with the time that you gave to their children, and no doubt the children will always have a lovely memory meeting you.

What a joy for you that a mummy took the time to send your first meeting of her little boy. I have a feeling that she will continue to follow you now, and just shows that what you are doing is absolutely 'spot on', so do not stop.

It is so important that as a library service we bring authors into our little world, as in this continuing cut-back environment it shows us to moving forward, so thank you so much Sue for your time. (Tina Campey - Librarian)

What do you think?

School Teacher Visit