On Monday 11 September 2023, Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2022-2024, Joseph Coelho, visited Lampeter Library as part of his nationwide ‘Library Marathon’ mission to join a library in every local authority in the UK.
Pupils from Year 6 at Ysgol Bro Pedr joined him at the library for an afternoon of storytelling and poetry, with Coelho sharing his passion for books while inspiring many creative ideas from the children themselves.
The aim of Coelho’s visit was to promote libraries and a love of reading, and to encourage people, young and old, to join their local library. Coelho emphasised the vital role libraries play as essential, central hubs within the community.
Joseph Coelho said: “Libraries made me a writer and make communities thrive. I’m immensely grateful to libraries and the services they provide, so I want to use my platform as the Waterstones Children’s Laureate to champion these essential launchpads of learning. I want to hug every library, these miraculous institutions where new horizons line the shelves, where minds go to grow.”
Delyth Huws, Children’s Librarian at Ceredigion Library Service, added: “It was such an honour to welcome Joseph Coelho to Lampeter Library. Sharing stories and reading together bring so many wide-ranging benefits to children and, with the current cost of living crisis, libraries offer a safe and warm space, packed full of fabulous books, that will encourage and inspire children of all ages and positively affect their lives.”
Coelho joined Lampeter Library at the end of his visit.
For further information and to search for books available at your local library, visit Ceredigion Library’s website.
18/09/2023