Benjamin backs new library

Tuesday September 8, 2009

London's most prolific young reader is championing the innovative new library in Shepherds Bush.

When the ribbon is cut at the Shepherds Bush Library next week, you can be sure that five-year-old Benjamin Chang will be at the front of the queue.

Having read an incredible 306 books in the last nine months, Benjamin, of Brackenbury Road, Hammersmith, is thought to be the most prolific child-reader in London - and perhaps even Britain.

The youngster puts readers 10 times his age to shame, and as someone who has read at least one book a day for the past nine months he is well-qualified to know what makes a good read.

Benjamin, who is due to start Brackenbury Primary School in September, said: "I love reading books and looking at the pictures. My favourite book is Winnie the Pooh. I read as many books as I can and also enjoy drawing."

Benjamin borrowed all of the 306 books from the old Shepherds Bush Library, in Uxbridge Road, and is well-known to library staff.

The good news for Ben is that the new £2million library at the Westfield shopping centre has a dedicated new children's space, as well as a new stock of computer games, CDs and DVDs that he can borrow.

Benjamin's mother, Jinsong Chang, 35, said: "Benjamin is always borrowing books from the library.

"A lot of the time I read the books to him, but he does enjoy reading them himself. I'm very proud of him for reading so much.

"As long as he is having fun, I am happy."

The new Shepherds Bush Library will be opened in an exciting ceremony on Monday, September 14, and will house more than 10,000 new books for Benjamin and other avid readers to choose from.

The Mayor of Hammersmith & Fulham, Cllr Alex Karmel, will cut the ribbon. Later, on Saturday, September 19, from 11am-4pm, the library will host a huge family fun day, including stilt-walkers, Punch and Judy, as well as local authors and poets, followed by a week of activities for people of all ages.

H&F cabinet member Paul Bristow said: "Benjamin is a real character and is exactly the kind of person that we want to attract to the new library.

"The new building will be one of the most innovative of its kind in the country and the perfect place for young people like Benjamin to learn about new things.

"We can't wait to welcome him when he visits and are sure that he will be amazed with what he sees."