Just William is just perfect for young library users
The recent daily screening of Just William on the BBC has had a knock on effect for Warwickshire’s libraries – with copies of the famed series in huge demand from Warwickshire’s younger customers.
Richmal Crompton’s famous series, first published in 1922, of the adventures of the loveable rogue was adapted by BBC over the holidays and starred Caroline Quentin, Roy Hudd and Daniel Roche.
The series of books featured several characters who have established themselves in the realms of children’s fiction and spawned the catchphrase, uttered by Violet Elizabeth Bott, “I’ll thscweam and thscweam ‘till I’m thick.”
Gill Colbourne of Warwickshire Libraries has been amazed at how the television series has had such a profound effect on demands made at the libraries across the county. In some of the buildings the books are now having to be reserved weeks in advance. She said:
“It has been amazing to see the recent revival of the popularity of the ‘Just William’ books. Recent trends among younger users have tended to focus on J K Rowling obviously and Andy Stanton’s Mr Gum books but this TV series has kick started a demand for Just William books with young people across the county coming to libraries and requesting them.
“Perhaps the appearance of Ben from Outnumbered has expanded William’s appeal to a whole new generation. Trends in various media – film, television, music – quickly make their presence felt in libraries.”
For further information on the range of services or the opening hours of a library near you, visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/libraries