05 August 2019
Libraries are an important part of our local communities and joining the library is free. Libraries are home to more than just books. You can discover audio books, DVDs, newspapers, large print books, books in other languages, arts workshops and exhibitions, local heritage collections, family theatre, drama, dance, sessions for pre-school children, author visits, book recommendations and access to the internet.
In a quest to celebrate the inclusive, vital role libraries play in our lives and to encourage as many people as possible to join their local library, children’s poet and author Joseph Coelho set himself a challenge of joining a library in every Library Authority in the UK. Therefore, it was an honour to hear that Worksop Library was chosen to be a part of Joseph’s library joining marathon.
Joseph Coelhoe visited Worksop Library earlier this month. His challenge for August was to set off in his campervan to join 70 libraries in just 25 days. Worksop was library number 38. Worksop Library staff welcomed him with his own Inspire Library Membership Card, which he used to borrow a book to read on the rest of his journey.
When asked why libraries were important to him, Joseph mentioned the Summer Reading Challenge: a challenge produced by The Reading Agency which runs in libraries all over the country. The challenge, aimed at children aged 4 to 11 years old, is to read six or more library books over the Summer. This year is the 20th year of the Challenge and is inspired by the 50th anniversary of the moon landing.
I managed to complete the challenge myself last Summer and received my certificate, just like every child who successfully completes their challenge.
The Reading Agency has found that children who take part maintain their reading level over the holidays, return to school keen and ready to learn and become more enthusiastic about reading.
In Nottinghamshire there are 67 libraries and four mobile library vehicles. We haven't closed any of our libraries over the last 10 years and since that time we have made big investments in our library service - making it one of the best in the country. Last year we had 2.5 million visitors which, on average, is about five visits every minute of the year. It is free and easy to join - sign up by visiting your local library and see what you can discover.
Councillor John Cottee,
Communities and Place Committee Chairman
Nottinghamshire County Council
Councillor John Cottee Chairman, Communities and Place Committee
