Libraries

[Ethel]

Do any of you use the local library? I get 90% of my novels from the library as I read on average 6 books a week.

I have borrowed many reference books too, including computer and IT; cookery and gardening books.

I can't understand why more people don't use their libraries. Mine sells tea and biscuits; gives computer lessons; has free internet; has a book club; a session for toddlers; authors and poets visit to give readings.

I can reserve books online and get an email when the book is ready to be collected.

So my question is - why don't people use their libraries?

[Mr Veritas]

Unfortunately we are in the following predicament:~
Nearest Library was 6 miles away,now closed.
Mobile Library (very handy) withdrawn.
So nearest Library now open is 12 miles away.So it's really not worth it.Apart from the fact that this Library is in the middle of a town and parking is non existent.
The old(closed) Library did at least have a car park.
Ah well such are the difficulties of living in the depths of the country!

[mrs_overall]

We'd be lost without our local library.
The 5 of us borrow around 30 books a week between us. My kids all started off as toddlers at the weekly storytime sessions. They have attended everything going at the library - in 2008 my youngest went to several craft sessions, a talk on animals in our local forest, a talk on falconry (complete with real falcons), various story sessions - the list is endless.
We're lucky to have such facilities and where I live they are very well used and appreciated by the community.

[chakka35]

Ethel, it sounds as if your local library is as good as mine, generally considered to be the best in the country. As well as all those other things you mention there is a small coffee/snack bar, a shop selling local maps, etc., a manned Local History department where you can consult and borrow books and maps of the area going back for yonks , a quiet reading area with soft armchairs, automtic checking in and checking out of books, and a huge reference and non-fiction section which you could spend a whole day browsing through. It is on four floors with lifts if needed.
If we ever left this borough it would break my heart.

[Jugglering]

I am an avid library user as well and easily get through 5 or 6 books a week. I used to work opposite the library which was really handy but then we moved to another town well away from the library, but we're on the move again, this time next door to a large town library.... woot ! I am so happy .....

*J bounces up and down on the sofa at the happy thought*

[Ethel]

:)

[Mr Veritas]

Can anyone suggest a way out of my predicament (as stated in my previous answer)?as I would very much like tp be able to use a library,but it seems I can't.

[Sachs]

Hi Ethel,
when my children were small I use to go all the time! I have'nt been back in years! The last time I went it was the old yellow ticket. Might have to have a nosy & see what has changed!

[shaneystar2]

Hello Mr Veritas .I don't know where you live or your personal circumstances ..obviously :)
But it may be worth getting in touch with the nearest large library to you and asking them if they have a Home Library Service .
Our library service has this as we are in a rural area .
It provides books on wheels to people in the community who like to use the library service but are unable to get there due to age, disability or restricted mobility.
The WVRS deliver the books .Might be worth a try .

[Ethel]

MrVeritas - is there any reason why you can't visit the library 12 miles away? I can have 15 books out a time, and renew online, so if your library is the same you needn't go too often.

If you are disabled and unable to drive, is there a Ring and Ride in your area?

[Mr Veritas]

Thanks Ethel & shaney for your answers.
Ethel I am 85 and my wife is 84,so obviously we don't drive anymore.
We only have two buses a day into our nearest town ,the terminus of which is nowhere near the library (neither of us walks very well now.
No Ring & Ride either Ethel,I investigated that,but we were told our village is "too rural" to have one.
shaney,
Our nearest library is especially unhelpful,as it comes under Hastings Town Council, and we come under (rural) Rother,which is a seperate Council,and they don't seem to co~operate at all!
I asked about the service(with WRVS) that you mention,only to be greeted with a deathly silence,about par for that library.
Thanks anyway,I shall have to consider other routes.

[Ethel]

That is very frustrating for you, MrVeritas - I would like the public libraries to be for everyone, within reason. You wouldn't expect the mobile library to come every day or even every week, but a regular visit should not be impossible regardless of where you live.

I suspect that taxi fares are somewhat expensive in Hastings, too.

And surely Ring and Ride should be for those in need - and those who live rurally can't rely on the usual forms of public transport. You are being badly let down by your council and I hope you have the time and inclination to complain to both your councillors and MPs. No doubt you are paying for the libraries in your Council Tax - you should be able to benefit.

Put pen to paper and see what you can achieve.

[shaneystar2]

Hello again Mr V .
I have looked up Hastings Library online which I presume is your nearest one if Rother won't play ball.
And this is what they have to say
Home library service

We run a free home library service for people who cannot easily use a library due to disability, frailty or because they are caring for someone who cannot be left.

In some cases a librarian will visit you at home to discuss your needs. A volunteer will then be selected to choose books and bring them to you. Alternatively, someone from a voluntary agency will provide help.

So ..as Ethel says put pen to paper and complain .
After all your council tax goes towards these facilities and if you cannot make use of them it's a pretty poor show .

[Mr Veritas]

Thanks for your input shaney,
It is most appreciated.
However,we have 2 problems.
Although our nearest library is in Hastings,and we can visit/take books from it;we come under another Council (as you know,Rother)
Hastings will not entertain visiting(or sending a librarian or volunteer) because we do not come under Hastings Council,and even if we did we live (12 miles) too far from them.
We pay Council Tax to Rother Council,but THEIR nearest Library is in Bexhill on Sea which is 19 miles away!Going in the other direction the nearest Library is Ashford,which is also 19 miles away,and also another council.
Rural Ares are VERY badly served when it comes to voluntary sector.
I think Ethel is right,I shall have to email Rother and complain,and see what come of it.
Regretbly,our MP is rather tied up at the moment,as he has left his wife and moved in with the plumber!(Truly)
I shall email him as well though.
Who would have thought it was this difficult to read a book?

[Bathsheba]

Never mind about libraries, Mr V!! Tell us more about the MP + the plumber!! That sounds like a bestseller in the making :-) xx

[Ethel]

Who would have thought indeed, MrVeritas.

But isn't it marvellous that Shaney has taken the trouble to help, and even more wondrous there has been 50 posts that are all positive and meaningful on one thread, with no abuse, negativity or sarcasm.

Quite made my week, although I am frustrated by your problem, MrV.

[Bathsheba]

I agree Ethel.

[Mr Veritas]

Thanks for your understanding Ethel,and not as frustrated as we are.I don't think people realise just how " cut off" some people are in the country.
Now for Bathsheba's delectation the story of the MP and the Plumber.
Our MP is (well you can look his name up,he represents Bexhill and Battle).
Apparently he was home one day when the (hunky) plumber called.Not long after he left his wife for the plumber.
It's possible he was Bi~Sexual all along because he has children (I believe).
Good Luck to him, I hope he will be happy.He's a typical Conservative "Public School" type,far too "smarmy" for me.
Perhaps the plumber had a big b~a~l~l~c~o~c~k?
PS:~If my wife reads this she will kill me! LOL


Of course this is all hearsay,and I couldn't vouch for the truth of it!?

[Ethel]

:)

[Bathsheba]

Love it!! Thanks MrV!
Judging by the time on your post you're another night owl :) x

[Mr Veritas]

Yes,I am a night owl.
When you get to my age you tend not to like sleep as it might be something you don't wake up from! LOL