Shropshire libraries feel the love
On Saturday 9 February, libraries across Shropshire held events to mark National Libraries Day / Love Your Library Day.
The celebrations highlighted the many services available from all local libraries. The service stretches far beyond simply being a place to borrow books, and offers users things such as free access to computers and the Internet.
Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for libraries, said:
“The day was a huge success and we’ve seen a great response to all the activities across Shropshire. Libraries provide their local community with a huge number of important services and it’s comforting to see that acknowledged.”
In Oswestry, seven artists from local art group Inside Out worked on various pieces throughout the day to celebrate the creative impact of books, reading and writing. Offering attendees the chance to join in with artists’ creativity saw over 90 adults and children eagerly jump at the chance to get stuck in. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with adults and children alike saying they had learnt something and would be keen to attend a similar event again.
The artists themselves thoroughly enjoyed the day and expressed their desire to return and see Oswestry Library become a beacon of creativity as a local arts and culture centre.
Keith Barrow, Leader of the Council and also local Shropshire Councillor for Oswestry South, said:
“The response in Oswestry has been phenomenal. To have the artists sharing their talents with the public was heartwarming, and I sincerely hope we are able to have these events for a long time to come.”
Meanwhile at Bridgnorth Library the local Women’s Institute offered a coffee morning, complete with selection of cakes, and library staff dressed up as book characters for the day. The friendly staff, excellent resources and regular programme of activities at Bridgnorth Library were highlighted by the locals as why the library was important to them and their town.
The day also saw the launch of the Spring Reading Challenge for adults across Shropshire.
The Spring Read asks for participants to read four books and to simply write down their thoughts of the book and rate it out of five. The reader has full control over whicht four books they choose, but if they are having trouble deciding or simply want to try something new, the Spring Read books list provides a handy starting point.
Completed entry forms should be handed in to libraries. This entitles you to four free library requests, and you will be entered into the prize draw where one reader will win £30 worth of book tokens.
The closing date for entries is World Book Night, 23 April 2013. The winner will be notified shortly afterwards.
