A FORMER Rhyl Journal reporter will undertake a readathon fundraiser to support an independent library.
Rhian Waller, 36, recently joined the staff at Gladstone’s Library in Hawarden, which shut for 18 months following the coronavirus outbreak in 2020.
Rhian, who lived in Rhos-on-Sea before her career change, has pledged to undertake a 24-hour readathon to raise funds and awareness for the library, which has now reopened.
She said: “I won’t say the situation at Gladstone’s Library has caused me sleepless nights, exactly, but I’m prepared to give up a good night’s sleep to encourage people to support the library.”
Rhian plans to stay at the library overnight tonight and read one short story (or more) per hour from 5pm today until the same time tomorrow, and live-post responses to and reviews of the tales she encounters.
People can suggest stories, share their own reviews of them and follow along online through the library's social media channels.
Peter Francis, director of the library, which lies a few miles outside Chester, said he supported Rhian in her challenge.
He added: “The genius of Gladstone’s Library is that it gives you the space, comfort and distraction-free time to read, write and think.
“People often say that you can do a month’s work or reading, writing and thinking in a week here.”
The library is a hub, hosting reading and writing groups, classes, talks and festivals. It also offers residencies and scholarships to writers.
Rhian said: “Things have been going well since it reopened in September. People are coming back to stay and use the Reading Rooms, which is great.
“Gladstone’s is an unusual place: it’s a charity and it provides hospitality, and everyone knows that both charities and hotels and restaurants were hit hard by the last year-and-a-half.
“It’s effectively been a double-whammy for this historic institution. If this helps keep it thriving, then I’ll be happy.”
If you want to suggest a story of 10,000 words or less, message the library on Twitter or Instagram (@Gladlib), or drop a message on the Gladstone’s Library Facebook page (www.facebook.com/gladlib)
Rhian said: “I’ll read pretty much anything, and generally when I’m into a book, time passes fast. I’m not sure whether that will be the case at 4am after no sleep, though.”
You can donate to Rhian’s readathon at www.gofundme.com/f/rhians-readathon.
You can find out more about Gladstone’s Library by visiting www.gladstoneslibrary.org.
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