Ian Billings, poet, writer of pantomimes and TV comedies, takes his show to Atherstone Library at 9.30, Nuneaton Library at 10.30, Rugby Library at 11.45, Stratford Library at 1.30 and Warwick Library at 2.30 for a laugh-out-loud launch to Fantastic Fun.

Ian wrote for the hilarious CBBC children’s comedy series ‘Chucklevision’ and has recently returned from a sell-out tour in Australia.

The festival, funded by Arts Council England, then gets going on the following Monday with a series of Meet the Author events with reading groups meeting local authors including Mez Packer and Judith Allnatt.

In half term week, libraries will be hosting free family events with child-friendly performers around the county.

David Carter, strategic director of the Resources Group, said: “We have embarked upon a campaign, Love Your Library, which is encouraging people to use their local library.

“This launch sees a performer who is renowned nationally for his quirky sense of fun. Libraries are about so much more than books so I would like to think people will come and see Ian Billings and realise how much more is available for them. I urge people whether they are in the library once a week, once a month or once a year to visit their library during this festival and enjoy the fun that is on offer.”

Further details of Fantastic Fun with Words at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/libraries