A Very Unusual Surgery

Yesterday, it was my usual monthly surgery in Grove Library where residents can discuss any local issues of concern. It was unsually busy because it coincided with a "Read-In" to raise the profile of the plight of our local library due to the proposed cuts in funding by Oxfordshire County Council. This was part of a national campaign to highlight the support for libraries in our local communities.

There was a good mix of people at my surgery and, not surprisingly, library issues were at the forefront! Particular concern was expressed about supporting child literacy and ensuring that elderly people have good access to books and other library services. It emphasised to me how important the local library is to the social fabric of Grove - particularly with the planned expansion of the village. I was impressed by how knowledgeable people were about local services and I see today that the Sunday Times has reported on the success of LSSI in reducing back-office costs to keep libraries open in the US. Something worth thinking about....