Children in Launceston have been inspired to get their heads buried in books after a Children’s Laureate visited the town.

Joseph Coelho, Waterstones Children’s Laureate, paid a visit to Launceston Library on Wednesday, September 27, as part of his nationwide ‘Library Marathon.’

The mission hopes to champion local libraries and the vital role they play within the community and inspiring a love of reading in young people.

Joseph said: “Libraries made me a writer and make communities thrive. They have been a vital part of my life: from living on estates where I had a library next door, to my first Saturday job, to working at the British Library whilst studying at UCL, to touring theatre shows designed to be performed in libraries.

“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.”

Now, he hopes to pass on this love of libraries to the next generation, and Launceston came out in force to hear from Joseph and his most recent book Luna Loves Dance.

Each child received a copy of the book and many cant wait to find out what happens next.