Award-winning author Anne Fine visited a top Tyneside school to open its new state-of-the-art library suite. Anne, who has written more than 40 children's books as well as many stories for adults, was at Central Newcastle High School this week to launch the new facility. The library is just one part of the school's multi-million pound redevelopment of its senior school facilities in Eskdale Terrace, Jesmond. The project was completed at the end of last year and has created top of the range facilities which also include ICT suites, a new science laboratory, an art school and an English school, as well as the refurbishment of the majority of the school's classrooms and reception area. In addition to performing the official opening ceremony, Anne also treated pupils to a series of talks and had the chance to meet her at a book signing session. Anne, who lives in County Durham, said: "It was a real pleasure to be asked to open the new library. Libraries are at the heart of schools and communities and we should celebrate when one opens." All of the pupils in the secondary got to meet her and talk to her about her work. Year 8 pupil, Imogen Cobden, 12, is a fan of Anne's work and has read Charm School, Madame Doubtfire and Diary of a Killer Cat. She said: "She was talking to us about the literary quiz that we entered recently and said how she wouldn't be able to do something like that because she'd get nervous. "I really enjoy her books and it was great that she could come to open our library. "The new library suite is much better than what we had before. Previously, we had two libraries and it was difficult to find things, but in the new one it is much more organised." Year 7 pupil, Nicola Farr, 12, said: "I've read Charm School and Goggle-Eyes by Anne and when I was little my favourite book was The Diary of a Killer Cat. "I'm writing my own book at the minute but I've only just done the first chapter so far. "The new library looks really good and we got to have a look around before it was officially opened. The ICT suite is great too and we've already been working on the computers in there." Headmistress Hilary French said: "We wanted to include the girls in our celebration and were therefore delighted when Anne accepted our invitation to open the library and speak with all of our girls." "A number of girls are studying Anne's work as part of their English curriculum so this was an ideal opportunity for them to talk to her about her novels. "We were very much looking forward to hearing about an author's life and hope that our pupils will be inspired by her achievements." She added: "Our new library and ICT facility has given us a state-of-the-art independent learning centre and enhanced our pupils' already generous access to ICT." Anne was the second Children's Laureate and held office between 2001 and 2003. She followed Quentin Blake and has been followed in her turn by Michael Morpurgo and Jacqueline Wilson. She has written numerous books for all ages and has just launched her new book The Killer Cat Strikes Back - the third in this series for five to seven-year-olds. One of her most popular books, Madame Doubtfire, was adapted for the hit film Mrs Doubtfire, starring Robin Williams and Pierce Brosnan. Her recent book The Road of Bones, for older readers, has been nominated for the 2006 Carnegie Medal. Anne has won this award twice before in 1993 for Flour Babies and in 1990 for Goggle-Eyes. | 
Northumberland
