I took the grandchildren to our local library on Saturday in an attempt to support Save Our Libraries Day. This small library is such a good example of a great community service: a bright, clean new space, easily accessible amongst the village shops, with free internet access and a new area for the community to use for art exhibitions, meetings etc. And a delightful childrens’ section with book bins on the floor that make it easy for youngsters to reach in and browse. All very user-friendly and a great way to introduce small children to a love of books….even if the youngest did spend his time emptying the shelves of DVD’s!
Yet like so many other libraries, it is, of course, under threat. And what a tragedy it would be if all the small local libraries like this were to close so that people with pushchairs couldn’t walk to them. I’ve always thought of our library as a wonderful free destination that gives the babies and toddlers an outing and change of scene, whilst introducing them at the same time to the joy of books, literature and reading. A godsend for grandparents. Can we as a country afford to lose them, I wonder? What do you think?
