WHEN his Chelmsford school needed someone to open their revamped library, pupil Joseph Hammett knew just the man to contact.
He called on one of his Facebook friends, Philip Reeve, who just happens to be a top author of children's books and was happy to oblige. So on Wednesday, fresh from an awards ceremony in London, Mr Reeve caught the train to Chelmsford and was delighted to unveil The Boswells School's reading room.
Joseph, 14, who is an ardent fan of Mr Reeve's books which include the Mortal Engines quartet and Larklight trilogy, explained: "I have met Philip a couple of times at events in bookshops and enjoyed chatting to him about his books.
"I sent him a friend request on Facebook and he accepted.
"I knew the school wanted someone special to open the library, so I thought I would ask him and was so pleased when he said yes."
Unveiling a plaque in the revamped library Philip said: "I'm delighted to be here today to open this wonderful library.
"Libraries should be at the heart of a school. Even with modern technology, a library will never be old-fashioned.
"In a few years' time, when there may just be Kindles and screens, we will still need a place to go and sit and read."
This was a first visit to Essex for Philip, who is a talented illustrator as well as a writer.
He told the Chronicle he was delighted to be asked by Joseph to visit Boswells.
He said: "Sites such as Facebook mean authors now have direct contact with their readers. I admit I was a little wary at first, but everyone has been very friendly online.
"It is amazing you can connect directly with your readers, and talk to them about your writing."
Philip lives hundreds of miles away in Dartmoor, but took the opportunity to visit Boswells the day after he attended the Roald Dahl Funny Prize Award ceremony in London, for which his book Goblins was nominated.
He said: "This library looks fantastic. It's a place pupils will want to spend time."
Following a celebratory lunch in the library and the unveiling of a plaque, Philip held a question and answer session.
Head teacher David Crowe said: "We are very thankful to our premises team who remodelled the library over the summer, working very hard to create this lovely new space.
"It is a huge hit with students who like the lighter more airy feel to the room and who queue up to come in here every lunch and break, as well as before and after school. A good library is essential to a good school."
One pupil who agrees is Reece Sithanen, 12, who spends so much time in the library he has been asked to become a student librarian.
He said: "I love spending time here. I'd rather be here than outside at break and lunch times. I've not read any Philip Reeve books but will do so now after meeting him."
