Celebration Time

[Pauline Rowson]

Hayling Island Library was buzzing with activity yesterday (although it doesn't look like it from the above photo-but it was, honest!) Throngs of local people turned up to celebrate its re-opening after its major refit.

The library has been completely redecorated and a new community room added with its own separate access allowing the library to run more group activity. There are now toilet facilities (handy when you're in the library a long time) and a very welcome coffee/tea machine - so you might need that loo!

All my novels were out on loan so I took some along with me to sell and sign for those interested. I met some lovely people including Christine Rowley, a LEAD Project Community Development Worker from Aldershot Library who was at Hayling to help recruit volunteers for our local library service. She also presents on Garrison Radio - the British Army's Radio Service.

There was a celebration cake, nibbles, and drinks, face painting and balloons for the children, or for anyone else for that matter, a chance to view the new facilities, and of course, to change your library books, DVDs etc.

It's good to have our local library back on the run and great to see it so vibrant.

BBC Radio Solent

I was on the Julian Clegg show on BBC Radio Solent this morning at 6.45 a.m talking to Julian about my crime novels. I'm one of 'Julian's People' those whose lives he has chosen to follow on his programme throughout the year. I'll be on his programme again on 1 October 2009.