Too many computers in libraries, says new Children’s Laureate

Arts Correspondent

Wednesday 8 June 2011

The new Children's Laureate for the UK – Scottish-based best-selling author Julia Donaldson – has raised concerns over the profusion of computers in libraries.

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EXCLUSIVE Phil Miller Arts Correspondent

Ms Donaldson, author of the hugely popular children’s book The Gruffalo, is campaigning to protect libraries – which are threatened in local government cuts.

However, yesterday she said one aspect of modern library services troubles her – the amount of computers, which she first noticed when she was writer in residence in Easterhouse, Glasgow, for three years. “I thought it was a shame when so many computers were brought into libraries – adults using them for playing card games, teenagers looking at [questionable] websites, I thought that was a mistake,” she told The Herald.

“At the time [as computers were being installed] I said we needed to have more children’s writing specialists. “I might get into hot water by saying this, but I would love to see more [investment] going into stocking children’s titles, even at the expense of adult sections. But part of my job is to create a stink.”Of library closures, Ms Donaldson said: “It is very upsetting, and I think it is a terrible shame for children at a time when we don’t have as many bookshops on our high streets.“With libraries, you have the knowledge of the librarians to steer you. They are great banks for books and a great way of expanding your repertoire of books that you did not know about.“So much goes on in libraries – it is not just about the books, there are all the pre-school things that make children ripe for reading.“I really hope to support libraries, I hope I can do something for them, from Land’s End to John O’Groats.”Ms Donaldson, who lives in Bearsden, was named yesterday as the new Waterstone’s Children’s Laureate – the first Scottish-based writer to hold the prestigious title.She takes from Anthony Browne who has held the post since 2009. Previous children’s laureates include Michael Rosen, Michael Morpurgo, Jacqueline Wilson and Quentin Blake.The role, which has a bursary of £15,000, is awarded every two years.Ms Donaldson said: “I would like to do lots of events in Scotland. Over the next two years I hope to find every opportunity to be a spokesperson and advocate for children’s books and reading.”A spokesman for Glasgow’s libraries congratulated Ms Donaldson on her appointment, but said computers in libraries were used for reference and research and were part of the package of information offered to readers, alongside books.“We believe in the Victorian ideal that everyone should have access to information, and in the digital age that includes digital information as well,” he added.Ms Donaldson, who was born in London in 1948, is the author of more than 120 books and plays for children and teenagers. In 2010, she was the most borrowed children’s author from UK libraries. She was presented with the Children’s Laureate medal by former television presenter Floella Benjamin, who said: “I have known Julia Donaldson for many years, since my time in Playschool, and she has always had a passion to excite, educate and entertain children through her writing which fires up their imagination in a most delightful way.”

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Too many computers in libraries, says new Children’s Laureate

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