Select Ernie to carry reading desk (7)
I believe the answer is:
lectern
'reading desk' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'select ernie to carry' is the wordplay.
'to carry' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue (I've seen 'carrying' mean this).
'LECTERN' can be found hidden inside 'select ernie'.
(Other definitions for lectern that I've seen before include "Stand with sloping top to hold book" , "Slanted stand for a book" , "Church reading desk" , "Where talk takes place" , "speaker's position" .)