National Libraries Day 7 February 2015

Valerie is encouraging residents in Walsall South to mark National Libraries Day on Saturday 7 February 2015 by visiting their local libraries.

Valerie said:

” National Libraries Day is an important event because for 2015, I want to involve more people than ever to send out the message that our libraries and their professional staff are very much loved and needed. The impact that libraries and librarians have on our wellbeing as communities and as a society is so fundamental and far-reaching; and it is vital that we recognise this. We need this expertise more than ever before in all the traditional ways, but also as we negotiate new challenges around information management and security, digital inclusiveness and much more.”

“I raised the threat to Pleck 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.”

“I would encourage everyone to visit their local library on National Libraries Day.”