Author backs campaign to save Barwell Library

Local author Stewart Bint has thrown his support behind a campaign to save a threatened local Library.

Barwell Library, situated in the George Ward Centre in Barwell is threatened with closure by Leicestershire County Council. The County Council are currently consulting on a proposal to close the Library and replace it with a mobile Library services.

Lib Dem County Councillor and parliamentary spokesman Michael Mullaney said "I hope even at this late stage the County Council drops it's plans to close Barwell Library.

"Barwell is a large village which will be getting even bigger in future years, there is a strong need for a library in the village. The Library not only provides books but also learning space for young people to do their homework and computers that people who are unemployed and looking for work can use.

" I would urge the Conservative leadership at the County Council to think again. They should drop their plans to close Barwell Library and continue negotiating with local volunteers and make every effort to keep this vital local service open.

"I have responded to the County Council's consultation on this issue urging them to rethink and keep Barwell Library open and would urge all concerned residents to have their say."

People in the Barwell area can take part in the consultation online at www.leics.gov.uk/futurelibraries or can obtain a paper copy of the consultation by phoning 0116 3054699.

Local author Stewart Bint has added his support to the campaign meeting with Michael Mullaney, Mr Bint said: "When it comes to libraries, the county council are totally blinkered, focusing only on financial aspects, and completely ignoring the fact that libraries are a vital part of community life.

"As the author of seven books I fully appreciate the value of libraries, and totally oppose the council's plan. Books are important but libraries aren't just about books. Let's look at what else libraries stand for, and what the council seems to no longer care about: community; access; knowledge; internet; help; afford; society; education; learning. They're not my words, they're taken from campaigns in other counties where councils have actually listened to their concerned voters.

"How does the plan to serve Barwell residents via a mobile library help to develop children's literacy for example, or provide internet access for those who do not have it at home. How does it provide study space and homework help? Far from diminishing in importance, the need for libraries is actually growing, no more so than in Barwell. Replacing it with a van will tear the heart out of the George Ward Centre, and the heart out of Barwell as a village.

The council know the cost of everything, and the value of nothing."