This month’s blog comes in a bit later than planned, for which I apologise to anyone who is so keen to hear from me that they may be disappointed. We had a bereavement in the family, so other priorities have taken precedence, however, I will share this one and try to ensure I get March’s blog out before the end of the month.
I’ve been thinking about libraries a lot of late and of how important they are to readers, writers and the local community in general. Most people will have a fond memory of a library or visiting a library, but more and more these tend to be nostalgic recollections from their childhood. With many local councils under pressure to make savings in their budgets, libraries may be at greater risk than previously and this got me thinking, what can I do to support them?
I have used the library consistently for the last ten or so years, however, mainly this has been online or using their eBook catalogue and it has been a while since I actually visited the library building. I decided to change that, and went along to my local library with my daughter and granddaughter. Although it has a decent crime section and the children’s section is marvellous, it’s not the biggest one in the county but I still managed to borrow an Agatha Christie book and a couple of children’s ones for my granddaughter. Shortly before the three week borrowing period, I visited on my own to return the books and made the decision to borrow another. It was at this point I decided to make a commitment.
Regular usage of their facilities may be the best way to ensure these places of comfort and safety for some, remain open. So, if I was to borrow at least one book every time I visited, it may help the cause. Even if, as in this case, it was a deliberately short novel, or one that you may not read, by borrowing a book you are committing to returning within 3 weeks. Get into the habit and try and get others to do the same, and you can make a real difference to the usage of your local library.
I have to confess, that this is just my opinion on the situation, I have no data on the usage of my local library or if it may be under threat of closure, however, I am passionate that as many as possible should remain open. So, I guess the whole purpose of this blog is to ask my readers when was the last time you visited your library and, more importantly, will you join my campaign to borrow more books?
Thanks again for reading this blog. Given the erratic timings of my blogs, please subscribe by adding your email address to the main page of this website, so you get notified when a further rambling is published.
Ross Alexander Writer 