AN author has taken on a library-joining marathon in an attempt to raise awareness for the importance of public libraries.

As part of his ‘Library Marathon’ Joseph Coelho visited a library in each Greater Manchester authority to join and receive his library card.

His journey started yesterday morning at Stockport Central Library and ended at Altrincham Library in the afternoon, but not before making a visit at Bolton’s Westhoughton Library.

Joseph has long been a passionate and vociferous supporter of libraries in the UK.

His debut picture book, Luna Loves Library Day, illustrated by Fiona Lumbers and published by Andersen Press, celebrates his love for libraries and his own childhood spent in libraries.

Joseph said: “It was in my local library where I studied for exams with friends, browsed books about beach combing and imagined living by the sea, bought second-hand encyclopaedias that I’d otherwise never own and where I had my first Saturday job.

“It was in my library that I got to know and connect with my local community, where I read, studied and wrote.”

The Library Marathon was undertaken with the support of CILIP and Libraries Connected with special activities being planned for Libraries Week, which runs from October 7-12 with the theme ‘Celebrating Libraries in a Digital World’.

There are around 3,600 public libraries across every part of the UK, serving more than 200 million physical visits a year and over 90 million online.

Nick Poole, chief executive CILIP said: “What a marvellous way to celebrate and promote libraries. We are delighted to support Joseph in his library quest, that showcases the important role of libraries in so many people’s stories.

"As an avid library supporter and advocate Joseph demonstrates the joy the library can bring, and we will be watching and supporting his journey with enthusiasm.”