Sunday 18 August 2013

Graduate James swaps science lab for library

MOLESEY Library has bolstered its brain power by hiring a physics graduate as assistant manager!

James Goldsmith, who is 24 and from Thames Ditton, joined the team in January after graduating from Sussex University.

He has been helping to engage younger readers and build relationships with schools in Molesey.

James said: “Whilst at university I got very involved in the outreach side and going into schools to show children how things worked. I realised that I enjoyed this side much more and my role at Molesey Library is an opportunity to continue that.”

James has created engaging presentations using material that Surrey Library Service had in its vaults, including promotional videos featuring the footballer Frank Lampard. He said he is trying to make reading “more cool” for children.

James has also been championing the Creepy House summer reading challenge. For this the Surrey Library Service has teamed-up with illustrator Chris Riddell to design a haunted house poster and related characters.

Children have to read six books and as they complete each milestone they receive stickers to ‘fill and explore’ their Creepy House.

James said reading may be a declining activity for children as there are lots of distractions, but it is “a battle that can be won”.

He said Molesey Library has a thriving crime and thrillers section, but is strong for science books, adding: “I should know.”

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