‘Save Devon’s Mobile Libraries’ launches children’s competition

Pressure grows on county council as more celebrities join campaign

Children’s author Nick Butterworth and illustrator Sarah McIntyre are the latest celebrities to lend their support to the campaign to save Devon’s mobile libraries. Campaign organiser and Torridge District Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin has been working with them to set up a competition for children with signed copies of their books as prizes. Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin said:

‘Devon’s children were not included in the county council’s consultation about the mobile library services, so this competition is a wonderful way for them to have their voices heard. We are asking them to send a poem, a story, or a piece of artwork on one of two themes: “Imagine the most fabulous mobile library EVER” or “What I like best about the mobile library”.

Nick Butterworth and Sarah McIntyre are the latest in a series of well-known authors and public figures to support the campaign to save Devon’s Mobile Libraries, joining Stephen Fry, Michael Rosen, Michael Morpurgo, Veronica Henry, Dermot O’Leary, Patrick Gale, Tanya Landman, Claire Barker, Liz Shakespeare, and others. Local poet Harriet Knock has written a poem in support of the campaign and the endorsements just keep coming in. An online petition now has more than 3,500 signatures.

Nick Butterworth, creator of Percy the Park Keeper, said:

‘Mobile Library services mean a great deal to people in rural communities for so many reasons. Isolation. The cost of living. Lack of transport. Poor internet access. Please, please, pleeeeese, Devon County Council, think again. Do not cut this wonderful life-enhancing service.’

Adventuremice illustrator Sarah McIntyre said:

‘Nick and I very much hope you’ll take part in this competition! We want to see what you can do with your drawing and writing skills, and to watch as you open up people’s imaginations to the furthest reaches of what a mobile library could be, either real or in your wildest fantasy. …I was going to say that the sky is the limit, but you can go beyond that if you like!’

Nick Butterworth added:

“Mummy, can we have the funny giant story again tonight?”

“Oh, I’m sorry we can’t. I had to give it back to the Library.”

“Can we have it next time, pleeeese!”

“Oh dear. I’m afraid there won’t be a next time sweetheart. The Library van, won’t be coming any more…”

The petition currently has more than 3000 signatures. Please sign at: www.change.org/SaveOurMobileLibrary