POOLE’S new look teenage library was launched by a popular teen author who began his adventurous life at the age of 14.

Extreme sportsman and adventurer Marcus Alexander, who wrote the Keeper of the Realms trilogy, told youngsters from five Poole secondary schools how he got his inspiration from travelling and the people he met.

The Londoner told enthralled youngsters how he started travelling in the summer holidays at the age of 14, went to France at 16 and packed his bags and spent six months in India at 18. But always a keen reader he said: “I devoured a book a day when I was a kid.”

Poole Mayor, Cllr Peter Adams, cut a ribbon with his special gold scissors to help launch the area devoted to teenagers at Poole Central Library, which they helped design and stock.

“We have done quite a lot of consultation over the last year with all sorts of groups to research the stock they would like to read,” said Laura Sneddon, children’s and youth services librarian.

Focus groups, youth forums and teenagers groups helped choose the 250 copies and the bright colours and cheerful design of the new area, which has two dedicated PCs.

“They wanted just a space,” said Laura. “That’s all we kept hearing about. A space for them. It’s actually a good sized space for the size of the library.”

Teenagers from Magna Academy, St Edward’s, Poole High, Parkstone Grammar and Carter Community took part in the opening and had the chance to look around, with each receiving a free, signed book from the author.

“It just shows how forward looking the library is,” said the Mayor. “Here they are introducing children to a popular best-selling children’s author.

“This is part of the general thing the library provides for all people.”

Library service manager Sue Wills said: “If you are looking for revision guides, lifestyle issues, dyslexia friendly books, career information or just a really good read, come along and have a look.”