It was a particular pleasure to launch my collection, ‘STAR: poems for the Christmas Season’ at Canton library because it’s my local library in Cardiff. And even more special because some of the poems in the book are set in nearby streets. Plus, I’m honoured to be Author of the Month for Libraries Wales https://libraries.wales/aotm/angela-graham-2

Libraries have been crucial to my development as a person and as a writer. My family couldn’t afford to buy books but the local library and Belfast’s Central Library enabled me to read widely. This is a kind of nourishment and without it my childhood and adolescence would have been stinted and stunted. It’s also, by a kind of osmosis, a lesson in the benefits of sharing resources.

I had the pleasure of doing readings and workshops with ‘STAR’ in 8 libraries in Northern Ireland and, just as here in Wales, that experience showed me time and again how a library sustains a locality.

Librarians deal in more than books. They are sources of information, support and encouragement and, crucially, they help people to help each other through many kinds of groups. Everywhere I sensed the loyalty and affection people feel for their libraries.

At every event people have enjoyed the images I present along with the poems. Martin Erspamer’s 15 beautiful linocuts in the book are always admired. And everyone likes the cover! I also show art works that relate to poems.

The local MP, Alex Barros-Curtis came along, so maybe ‘STAR’ will make it to Westminster!

And Ward Councillor, Susan Elsmore came to the launch.

I love presenting my work at events like this one because it is a wonderful way both to meet people and to see and feel how the poems are affecting those who listen to them.

I’m grateful to the very helpful and welcoming staff at Canton Library and to Libraries Wales.

Canton Library is a Carnegie building, opened in 1907, and is Grade II listed. I took the photo below when some stalls had packed up and things were quietening down. There’s such a feeling of spaciousness and light.

And a purple Christmas tree!