Saturday, February 4th, 2012Julia Donaldson, Waterstones Children’s Laureate, has written a dedicated poem to celebrate National Libraries Day.
Everyone is welcome to walk through the door.
It really doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor.
There are books in boxes and books on shelves.
They’re free for you to borrow, so help yourselves.
Come and meet your heroes, old and new,
From William the Conqueror to Winnie the Pooh.
You can look into the Mirror or read The Times,
Or bring along a toddler to chant some rhymes.
The librarian’s a friend who loves to lend,
So see if there’s a book that she can recommend.
Read that book, and if you’re bitten
You can borrow all the other ones the author’s written.
Are you into battles or biography?
Are you keen on gerbils or geography?
Gardening or ghosts? Sharks or science fiction?
There’s something here for everyone, whatever your addiction.
There are students revising, deep in concentration,
And school kids doing projects, finding inspiration.
Over in the corner there’s a table with seating,
So come along and join in the Book Club meeting.
Yes, come to the library! Browse and borrow,
And help make sure it’ll still be here tomorrow.
Julia Donaldson is the current Waterstones Children’s Laureate, a post which is managed by the literature charity Booktrust. www.childrenslaureate.org.uk
soo wall said on February 4, 2012
I work as a library assistant, please support your libraries.
Diane Ashman said on February 4, 2012
Me too! we had a fab day her in Frome library, despite the inclement weather!
david harrhy said on February 4, 2012
Excellent
Rita Jones said on February 4, 2012
I really enjoyed Julias poem, it describes our library perfectly.the last two lines Yes, come to the library! Browse and borrow,
And help make sure it’ll still be here tomorrow.
are so true.I hope people will take heed and use their libraries more.
Kris said on February 4, 2012
Lovely!! Happy National Libraries Day *waves from across the pond*
Elli said on February 5, 2012
Here are a couple of other poems on the same theme:
http://wordstroll.wordpress.com/2012/02/04/threatened-spe…-libraries-day/
http://wordstroll.wordpress.com/2012/02/04/save-our-libraries/
Rising Brook Writers said on February 5, 2012
Rising Brook Writers is a free educational charity for the Over 50s which meets every week in a Staffordshire library. Without our free library space the charity could not provide opportunities for our project contributors. RBW totally supports the SAVE OUR LIBRARIES campaign and loves this important poem which is so accessible for everyone to understand: we will be happy to circulate it in our free email bulletin. Workshop Leader RBW RCN 1117227
P C said on February 5, 2012
Thank you Julia, well said, and keep spreading the word. Our library manager marked NLD outlining plans for reduction in opening hours, service and staff hours; all enforced due to huge council funding cuts. Yet our library is popular and staff knowledgeable and inviting.
Susan McAlinden said on February 16, 2012
Loved Julia’s poem,especially the last two lines. I love reading a proper book. No ” Kindle” for me. Going to the library to see all the new releases,browsing and listening to the reccomendations of the staff is such an enjoyable experience for me.Long may it continue. Please use your local library.