This afternoon at Hay, in conversation with Festival director Peter Florence, the poet, novelist and broadcaster, Michael Rosen, spoke about the importance of keeping libraries open and accessible to all.
There are many libraries in the United Kingdom that are currently struggling to continue operations, and Rosen provided a timely reminder of their relevance.
He said, “They are the treasure houses of knowledge, people of any age, any background, any culture, any ability are welcomed in those places.”
“It is my idea of heaven… if there is a heaven, it’s going to be Library.”
“The world is at your fingertips… this in our bones, and it [libraries] belongs to us.”
The broadcaster also paid tribute to the late author Judith Kerr whom he interviewed several times during his career.
Rosen stated that Judith Kerr was a wonderful person and radiant in her persona.
He said, “She produced these books that were so full of life and fun… It’s such a great loss to see her go.”
Pictured L-R, Peter Florence and Michael Rosen. Photo by Morgan Williams.
If you are interested in literature, also see Maxine Peake recite Percy Bysshe Shelley’s 1819 poem at 8.30pm, 25 May. If you like watching Hay Festival events digitally, please sign up to the Hay Player for more from the world’s greatest thinkers.