I WAS very interested to read the letters concerning Oxford’s Central Library (Oxford Mail, February 23 and 24).
I questioned library staff about what would happen when notices initially went up. I was assured that the library service would be protected, providing a restricted service until the development at Westgate was finished when the library would be reinstated.
The public library is a valued much-needed resource. I remember visiting the old library on Saturdays with my father when it was housed in Blue Boar Street at the side of the Town Hall. When the new library was installed at Westgate it was an amazing improvement and asset for residents and visitors to Oxford of all ages to access books, papers, music, computers, videos (later DVDs) etc, with helpful and patient staff where you could find details of local activities and events.
The library is a perfect place for exam study for students who have no quiet space at home to focus.
I particularly cherish the children’s library as a welcome oasis (from shopping and the busy city) to spend time with young children choosing books to borrow or sharing books, attending story time sessions, and workshops. An ideal place to introduce youngsters to the enjoyment of sharing ideas, listening and reading books an early start for learning.
There are opportunities to meet with other parents and carers which is especially important with the forthcoming cuts proposed for our children’s centres.
It seems more than one “small” shop is needed to cater for the library service. Perhaps using part of a central public space, maybe our Town Hall could accommodate another partial library service site for the public until we have our new building?
ELAINE BENNETT
Marston Road
Oxford
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