A MAGICAL author visited the Garnock Valley last week as part of libraries week.

And AH Proctor, author of the Thumble Tumble series of books set on the Isle of Arran, imparted her wisdom to kids from St Bridget’s Primary as part of a drive to help save the libraries in our local are and throughout Scotland.

The author explained what libraries mean to her, she told the Herald: “Libraries are very close to my heart. As a child growing up in the east end of Glasgow, my local library offered me a way to transport myself into another world… usually that of the Brothers Grimm!

“I would borrow books about witches and trolls (before they became nice) and head straight for the park where I would continue my magical adventure, as my imagination brought to life the creatures from the pages of the books straight into the bushes and trees surrounding me in the park. “I’d go troll hunting under leaves and try to spot a sleeping mermaid in the pond!”

“As I grew up, the candle lighting my imagination began to fade until one day I visited the enchanted Isle of Arran, and the flood gates of my imagination were reignited with thoughts of Witches, Dragons, Thistle Pixies and of course, a three legged Haggis! So you can imagine how thrilled I was to be offered the opportunity to round off Libraries Week in North Ayrshire, the very place where my books are set.”

“I was absolutely delighted that the children of St Bridget’s Primary came along to Kilbirnie Library to celebrate Libraries Week with me. The children were really passionate about their local library and all the activities they do there, from visiting with Grandpa on a Saturday morning, to playing games on the computers! It really brought home what a vital part libraries play in our communities.”