Volunteers sought for special Royston library event

VOLUNTEERS for a Royston event celebrating North Herts’ libraries are being sought.

Pressure group We Heart Libraries is looking to make people aware of the importance of libraries in the community, and hopes to hold a celebratory event in February.

The inaugural National Libraries Day will see people joining in activities such as a read-in, which will see book lovers take turns to read aloud, and make pledges – such as borrowing one book a month.

The events will take place across North Herts on February 4.

Andy Darley, We Heart Libraries co-founder, said: “I hope we will be able to do something in Royston, but it is dependent on someone being able to co-ordinate it.

“Last time The Crow ran a story we were approached by people on Facebook, and hopefully the same thing will happen again.”

The group was formed after cuts by local authorities closed libraries across the country. None was shut in Hertfordshire, but hours were cut.

More information on the event and the group can be found at www.weheartlibraries.org.uk/about-the-campaign/national-libraries-day

“It’s been a hard year for libraries in Hertfordshire and beyond. National Libraries Day is the perfect opportunity to show that it’s not all doom and gloom and that we’ve got an awful lot to celebrate,” said Mr Darley.

“We believe that libraries are fantastic community facilities which welcome everyone regardless of income, background or circumstances.

“But we need to make sure that they’re not taken for granted, so that when the council needs to find cuts, it doesn’t turn to them first.

“For this reason we are really hoping that as many people as possible will help us to make National Libraries Day a success in North Herts.”