What a day! Today is Steve Antony day - a day named by Swindon Libraries to thank me for all I do as Patron and to celebrate all the wonderful activities both I and Swindon Libraries have launched over the years. More importantly, it's a day to celebrate all that Swindon Libraries do for children, schools and families. It's also the date I became Patron to Swindon Libraries Children's Reading Services back in 2016.
The day started with a fun filled morning of activities at Crowdys Hill School, a school close to my heart for many reasons. There was 'Pin The Nose On The Panda', a doughnut hoop-throwing game, lots of colouring in sheets and a treasure hunt. The pupils surprised me with a display of Steve Antony portraits and gave me a book of their very own story ideas. It was a truly special visit. It was so nice to see everyone again after having not been able to visit the school in-person for so long due to the pandemic.
After fish & chips, Outreach Librarian Debbie and I embarked on a whistle stop tour of Swindon Libraries. We weren't able to visit all the libraries but did manage to pop by Beechcroft Library, Park Library, Old Town Children's Library and Wroughton Library.
There's no place quite like a library. "Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving our quality of life." - Sidney Sheldon
And to many, libraries are a lifeline. They're a safe space, they're free and our communities need them. Librarians do an incredible about of good work for their local communities, and Outreach Librarians provide an invaluable service to schools, especially schools in deprived areas.
From Lego Play to Sewing Clubs, there's something for everyone - and everyone is welcome! If you don't already belong to your local library, what are you waiting for?
I personally feel very honoured and privileged to have been named Patron of Swindon Libraries Children's Reading Services. It's a role I thoroughly enjoy and feel truly blessed to have formed such a special bond with Swindon Libraries.
I'd like to thank Outreach Librarian and good friend Debbie from the bottom of my box of doughnuts for organising today. And thank you for the fish and chips, too!
