| Topic: | 7th February: The Hounslow Chronicle's write-up | |
| Posted by: | Jim Lawes | |
| Date/Time: | 08/02/11 03:06:00 |
| "Wonderful" support for Brentford Library Read-In Feb 7 2011 By Jessica Thompson ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo A READ-IN at Brentford Library "made more impact than anything you could say or write" according to one of the organisers. More than 100 people showed up at the library on Saturday to show their support at the event, which featured appearances from former broadcaster Anna Ford among other well known local faces. The library quickly filled with residents who all brought or borrowed one of their favourite books in the hope they could read an extract. But attendance at the event was so overwhelming that there was not time for everyone to read, with two hours worth of extracts enjoyed by those present. The event was organised by local residents in reaction to threats from the council to close up to eight local libraries, including the Brentford branch. One of the organisers, Hazel Dakers, who lives off the High Street, said: "It was absolutely wonderful, we couldn't have hoped for such wonderful public support. It made more impact than anything you could say or write. Everyone was there together and for the same reason, to show that we don't want Brentford Library to close". The day started with words from actress Susan Penhaligon, and words and a reading from local resident and former newsreader Anna Ford, who chose Beatrix Potter's Tailor of Gloucester. Mrs Dakers' husband Chris Dakers read an extract from the account of the first librarian to work at the library when it opened, Fred Turner. Cllr Ruth Cadbury and MP Mary Mcleod also spoke. Mrs Dakers said: "It was interesting to hear which different books people chose to read from. There was a very good atmosphere. The real proof will be whether or not the council keeps the library open with trained staff, and a book fund". Fellow organiser Jill Allbrooke, of Justin Close in Brentford, said: "We were only expecting to need a small corner of the library, but so many people showed up and it got a lot bigger than we expected. "Anna Ford said some really interesting things about the library. It all went very well". To follow the Hounslow Chronicle campaign to Save Our Libraries in the Hounslow Borough, visit www.hounslowchronicle.co.uk/libraries and follow @annajessicat on Twitter. |