'At the heart of our towns'

“The message is clear: libraries matter. Their solid presence at the heart of our towns sends the proud signal that everyone - whoever they are, whatever their educational background, whatever their age or their needs - is welcome.” –  Kate Mosse

 

Born in Chichester, England on this date in 1961, Mosse is a champion of libraries everywhere, but also a writer of books – both fiction and nonfiction – and numerous short stories.   She is perhaps best known for her 2005 archaeological mystery novel Labyrinth, now translated into nearly 40 languages.

 

Although known for her adventure and ghost fiction, inspired by real history, Mosse's first two works were non-fiction: Becoming A Mother and The House: Behind the Scenes at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, published to accompany the BBC show The House.

 

Winner of many awards, she frequently speaks and writes on behalf of women in writing and the arts and is co-founder/creator of Bailey’s Women’s Prize for Fiction, one of Britain’s most prestigious writing awards. The author of numerous essays and stories – many included in anthologies and collections – Mosse is a frequent spokesperson on behalf of access to reading and libraries.  

 

“Free and fair access to books - to reading,” she said, “is a right and one we should fight for.”