CHILDREN in Carmarthenshire and Neath Port Talbot will be able to experience the Waterstone’s Children’s Laureate provide readings in person this weekend.

Joseph Coelho, who is Waterstones Children’s Laureate for 2022-2024 will be reading and performing for children at two libraries on Saturday, September 9 as part of his nationwide library marathon mission.

Joseph is an award-winning performance poet, playwright and children’s author who is currently on an epic cross-country journey to visit a library in every local authority to encourage people to join their local libraries, championing the library and the role it plays in communities and to inspire a love of reading in young people.

He has more than 20 years of experience running creative literary sessions in schools and aims to inspire young people through stories and characters they can recognise and explores themes including fear, courage, diversity, gratitude, empathy and loss.

He is also inspired by magic, the ancient world and draws on his own experiences.

Joseph said: “I am thrilled to bring my library marathon tour to Wales. I look forward to visiting 22 libraries across this beautiful country and joining fellow poet and newly announced Children’s Laureate Wales, Alex Wharton.

“Libraries made me a writer and make communities thrive. They have been a vital part of my life: from living on estates where I had a library next door, to my first Saturday job, to working at the British Library whilst studying at UCL, to touring theatre shows designed to be performed in libraries. I’m immensely grateful to libraries and the services they provide, so I want to use my platform as the Waterstones Children’s Laureate to champion these essential launchpads of learning. I want to hug every library, these miraculous institutions where new horizons line the shelves, where minds go to grow.”

Cllr. Gareth John, Carmarthenshire County Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, leisure, culture and tourism, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Joseph, as the children’s laureate, to Llanelli Library and I would encourage all parents and guardians to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to take their children to this wonderful event, which is free of charge.”

Cllr Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s cabinet member for nature, tourism and wellbeing, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Joseph to Neath’s town centre library where he will be sharing his love of reading with youngsters. This is an opportunity not to be missed, but places are limited so please book.”

Joseph Coelho will be at Neath Library on Saturday, September 9 between 9am and 10.30am (to book for the free event call 01639 644604 or email neath.library@npt.gov.uk). He will be at Llanelli Library on Saturday, September 9 at 2.30pm.