Friends of Arbury Library meeting

Just back from the Friends of Arbury Library meeting at the Arbury Community Centre.

A good number of residents managed to attend the meeting, and there was a good discussion about the library, as well as the business of the evening: to formally adopt a chair, secretary and committee.

Unfortunately Andy Pellew was unable to attend due to a family illness, so the meeting started with a brief outline of the background from Mike Todd-Jones. This was followed by passionate defences of the role of libraries from East Chesterton Lib Dem Cllr Clare Blair, and local residents Liz Brennan and Pete Shipton.

Clare explained how libraries had helped her children learn, and this was echoed by residents in the general discussion.

Local author Paul Shipton talked about the impact of the library in local schools, and his positive reception when talking about the library in our local schools.

The discussion from the floor emphasised how strongly people feel about the library service in general, not just about Arbury Court Library. A member of the Friends of Milton Road Library spoke about the threat they face, and the need to work together.

Arbury resident John Marais was then re-elected as chair of the Friends. He has done a superb job as acting chair. John made it clear his hope for FOAL to work with all other Friends groups across the city.

A committee volunteered, and local city and county councillors were asked to attend committee meetings ex-officio. An invitation that the local team, and our LibDem colleagues in Arbury and East Chesterton were keen to accept.

The hard work of making sure that the Conservative run County Council hears that we don't want the library service damaged starts on Saturday with the read in at Arbury Court Library at 2pm this saturday. This is a really positive demonstration.

The Friends have their own website, if you want to get more involved with FOAL come along on saturday or get in touch with them or the team.