Librarians welcome Templar

All three librarian groups, the YLG, SLG and SLA came together over the weekend of 9th and 10th June for what I called a Mega Mash-Up.   Over 300 librarians from schools, colleges and the public sector spent an enjoyable weekend at a conference venue in Old Windsor.

Templar's stand, as ever, caught everyone's attention with lots of comments on our new fiction list - which Helen Boyle was ready to expand on and introduce them to new titles for next year.  The picture books looked really strong and again, lots of ooohing and aaaahing over the titles.

Templar sponsored the Grand Opening of the Exhibition with glasses of bubbly for everyone and Mandy giving one of her wonderful exhortations on the wonder and power of books - urging everyone to get out there and sniff a book!

Katherine, Simon and Mandy

Up early the next morning Katherine Roberts, chaired by Helen Boyle, gave a spirited talk about her work and how much she loves her new characters in the Pendragon series.  She is clearly loved by the librarians who understand exactly what she means about inspiring children with legends and history mixed together.   All the delegates left with a special 'magic' Arthurian bead to guide them through the day.

After coffee, it was Simon Bartram's turn to describe a day in the life of an illustrator - or rather, what goes on in his shed when he's creating a picture book.  Alongside Simon was David Macintosh, an illustrator who works entirely digitally - so a really interesting session on the style and practice of each of them.

Back to the stand where Helen and I continued to talk to delegates, show them blads of new books and hand out reading copies.  Glad to say most of those found a good home.

Templar - after the reception - not all drunk by us!

All in all, a successful conference and once again, lots of compliments to Templar!