Our Patrons
Our patrons support the work that we do and they:
- believe in our aims and motive others to get involved
- raise awareness of our work and services
- help to support our fundraising efforts
Robin Ince
Patron
Robin is a comedian and author and is perhaps best known as co-host of the Sony Gold Award winning BBC Radio 4 series The Infinite Monkey Cage with Professor Brian Cox, which popularises scientific ideas.
He also co-hosts the podcast Book Shambles with Josie Long, An Uncanny Hour and Science Shambles with Dr Helen Czerski. He has authored books on humour, humanity, scientific curiosity and bibliomania. Described by The Guardian as a ‘becardiganed polymath’, what marks Robin out is his warmth, humanity and humour, and most importantly, his passionate advocacy of libraries.
“I’m with Carl Sagan – libraries are a mark of civilisation – I travel across the UK and beyond and wherever I go I find the library and look, more often than not, in awe. Libraries are so much more than the old-fashioned idea of ‘shush and read’ now, they are such active places.
“From the first time I visited Exeter Central Library, I saw what a thriving place of activity and support it was, and Libraries Unlimited manage this in all of the libraries in Devon and Torbay. Libraries are the true safe place and destination of curiosity, and I am so delighted to be a patron of a library charity that is doing so much to elevate celebrate and keep libraries alive.”
Michael Morpurgo OBE
Patron
Michael Morpurgo has written over 130 books, including 'The Butterfly Lion', 'Kensuke’s Kingdom', 'Why the Whales Come', 'The Mozart Question', 'Shadow'. His book 'War Horse' was adapted as a hugely successful stage production by the National Theatre and then, in 2011, for a film directed by Steven Spielberg. Michael was awarded the OBE for his writing in 2006. His latest novels are 'Boy Giant' (HarperCollins), 'The Puffin Keeper' (Puffin) and the picture books ‘Owl and Pussycat’ (David Fickling Books) and 'Song of Gladness' (Macmillan).
In 1976, Michael and his wife, Clare, started the charity Farms for City Children. The charity runs three farms around the country, in Gloucestershire, Pembrokeshire and North Devon. Each farm offers children and teachers from urban primary schools the chance to live and work in the countryside for a week, and gain hands-on experience.
https://www.michaelmorpurgo.com
"Opening a door to a library, is opening a door to learning and life. Such doors should never be closed."
Photo credit: Phil Crow