.Star writers to add 'glamour' to library drive

Louise Jury, Chief Arts Correspondent- Evening Standard - 29 Nov 2011

Joanna Trollope will help launch a new library in Mansfield

 Star authors are to attend library openings and events as part of a drive being launched in London tonight by publishers and booksellers to help libraries survive.

Despite the closure of many libraries as spending cuts bite, an analysis by the Society of Chief Librarians estimates at least 40 new or significantly refurbished libraries will open next year including the Idea Store at Watney Market in Tower Hamlets.
Tony Durcan, the society's president, said libraries remained a positive service even if their staff were "stressed" by the demand for savings. "Those funding them deserve to see that there is a huge public demand for our reading role," he said.
The Reading Agency and 40 UK publishers are working together to help promote new books while bringing added glamour to libraries. Authors will help launch new or refurbished libraries, starting with Ben Fogle at the new Canada Water library and Joanna Trollope in Mansfield. New writers will be promoted in library tours and thousands of books will be given away.
Mr Durcan said: "If booksellers can raise the profile of the public library service and if we can encourage people to read, whether people buy or borrow the books, it can only be a good thing. It reinforces our message of the pleasure of reading and underlying that is the importance of being able to read to operate properly in society."
Joanna Prior, managing director of Penguin's general division, said: "In 2012, we will stitch libraries into the fabric of our big industry reading promotions, push library membership and help tell a positive PR story about the importance of libraries to a healthy reading nation."
James Daunt, managing director of Waterstone's, said both bookshops and libraries had to do "anything we can" to help each and other and aid literacy.