Libraries Connected has welcomed calls by children’s author Frank Cottrell Boyce greater coverage of new children's books, stressing the important role libraries play in giving children access to a wide range of new and established authors.

Isobel Hunter MBE, chief executive of Libraries Connected, said:

"We welcome the debate about widening choice and increasing access to books for young readers. As our recent report with the National Literacy Trust confirmed, libraries play a vital role in developing early literacy and inspiring a love of reading."

"The best children’s libraries offer a huge range of titles from well-loved classics to newer stories that reflect modern Britain and explore issues important to children today. Library staff are always happy to offer book suggestions based on age, interests and reading ability – giving children the chance to discover new writers and genres."

"That’s why it’s so important that children’s authors, publishers, parents and teachers work with us to promote and protect libraries at a time of  financial uncertainty."

• View Frank Cottrell Boyce's original Twitter thread
• Listen to Frank Cottrell Boyce and author Robin Stevens on BBC Radio 4's Today (from 2:24)