The message is clear: libraries matter. Their solid presence at the heart of our towns sends the proud signal that everyone - whoever they are, whatever their educational background, whatever their age or their needs - is welcome.

For when all else is done, on­ly words re­main. Words en­dure.

People have different views of how you deal with different issues in literature, and, frankly, long may it last that there is a range of views.

I read a lot of thrillers, especially American crime novels.

People think that I'm very serious.

What we leave behind in this life is the memory of who we were and what we did. An imprint, no more.

Library campaigners are not prepared to stand by and watch something they cherish be dismantled brick by brick.