School libraries are an ally to students needing an escape. We can’t let them vanish

‘Reading not only helps us to learn vocabulary and grammar. It helps us to learn empathy as we delve into the worlds of others.’ Photograph: Andrew Fox/Alamy

As a children’s author I spend much of my time in schools talking to young people about writing and explaining my love of reading and why that started me on my journey with words. Mostly I do these talks in school libraries, which means I am mostly booked to speak at schools that still have libraries.

I’ve visited beautiful school libraries, magical places with trained librarians who spend their time planning quizzes, book hunts, competitions and author visits. These libraries are well used. They are places of worship because the students value them. Visit at lunchtime and they are heaving.