Mobile Library campaign launches competition as 4,000 sign its petition

The Save Devon's Mobile Library campaign has launched a children's competition. 

The competition invites anyone under the age of 18 and living in Devon to write a poem or story, draw a picture or paint a painting. 

The entries should be related to one of two themes - either imagining the most fabulous mobile library - as realistic or as fantastical as you like - or 'what I like best about mobile libraries.'

Judging the competition will be the children's author Nick Butterworth, who wrote the Percy the Park Keeper Series, and Sarah McIntyre, illustrator and writer. 

Save Devon's Mobile Libraries are running a campaign to keep the mobile libraries open after Devon County Council said users were significantly down and the vans themselves were coming to their of their 'serviceable lives'.

A number of celebrities have backed the campaign to keep them open, including Michael Rosen, Stephen Fry and Dermot O'Leary. 

A petition to save the libraries has been signed by 3,851 people. 

Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin started the campaign and she spoke to Nub News: "Mobile libraries are so important for our rural communities, it's a lifeline for many who rely on it, as well as inspiring our newest young readers too! 

"Children weren't included in the council's consultation, and so the competition will be a great way for them to have their voices heard while having fun and the opportunity to win signed books from some fabulous authors!"

Mobile libraries currently visit Awiliscombe, Kilmington, Payhembury, Feniton, Whimple, Talaton, Buckerell, Offwell, Stockland and Membury. 

The deadline for entry is September 15. Please email your entry to [email protected] or post them to: Friends of Great Torrington Library, Castle Hill, South Street, EX38 8AA.

You can sign the petition here.