Valerie marks National Libraries Day 2014 with visit to Pleck Library

On Saturday 8 February 2014, Valerie visited Pleck Library and read to children to mark National Libraries day 2014.

Valerie said:

“I was delighted to visit Pleck Library on National Libraries Day 2014. I read Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak to a group of children. Libraries are a vital part of our local communities and it was fitting to visit Pleck Library as it had been threatened with closure in 2010/11. There was a strong community campaign to save the Library. I raised the threat to the Library at an adjournment debate in the House of Commons in February 2011 and presented a petition of 1,108 names to Parliament in April 2011. While we were successful in our campaign to save Pleck Library, against a background of extensive local authority spending cuts, it is vital that we use and support our libraries.”

“In 2012/13 73% of children and 37% of adults visited one of the 4,134 libraries in the UK. For many children, the library is their first encounter with a book. For parents with young children, it is a social place where they can meet other parents. Children have access to books and toys, librarians suggest books to try and some have even started clubs for young children. For older children, staff run “Children in Summer” reading challenges.”

“I would urge everyone to make use of their local library. They are beacons of discovery, education and entertainment within our communities. The best way to send the message that they should not be cut is to use them as much as possible.”