The local library I joined when I was little was forced to close recently and is awaiting demolition. This sad news has prompted me to contemplate the many positive experiences I’ve had at libraries all over the world.
Kents Moat Library was a tiny but vital community hub at the Poolway Shopping Centre. It’s become one of the first of Birmingham’s libraries to close down and the area’s now set for ‘regeneration’ without it.
The lovely lady who ran the library for many years was great with kids and introduced me to Roger Hargreaves’ Mr Men series. The first book I ever borrowed was Mr Greedy, which must have been an influential tome as I do love cake. Apparently there’s a new version for grown-ups called Mr Greedy Eats Clean to Get Lean which I may have to check out…
My favourite library in the world is the New York Public Library. But the one in the most atmospheric location has got to be Leabharlann Oilean Chleire, the tiny library on Cape Clear Island, Ireland’s southernmost inhabited spot. Housed in a prefab building, it’s situated beneath the ruins of a 12th century church with spectacular views of the harbour. I came across it during the International Storytelling Festival on the island last year.
I used to volunteer at the Santa Susannah English Language Library in Rome. It was a lovely social place where local Italian people and international expats could mingle. I made lifelong friends there and donate the review books I’m given to the library.
Since moving to London, I’ve spent a lot of time at the British Library. I was invited to recite from Jane Eyre there for a special recording to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Charlotte Bronte’s birth and also met Sir Trevor McDonald at the library’s World Book Night celebration.
I must give a shout out to the Library of Birmingham, the biggest library in Europe. This stunning building houses the Shakespeare Memorial Room, one of the most important Shakespeare collections in the world. Unfortunately it has to close on Sundays due to cuts but I’ll be glad to visit again next time I’m in my home town.
Literature should be accessible to all, and public libraries facilitate that. Now a member of my local library in South East London, I look forward to the many benefits that will bring.
“The very existence of libraries affords the best evidence that we may yet have hope for the future of man” ― T.S. Eliot
Becky Danks 