Dear Editor,
AS a reader and children’s author I am alarmed to learn that Thurrock Libraries are under threat of closure.
Throughout childhood I was an avid reader. By my early teens, having read everything in the house repeatedly and unable to afford new books, I began visiting Blackshots Library. There, thanks to the knowledgeable librarians, I discovered new authors who kept me reading and ultimately inspired me to write. Though I now buy most of my books, I’ve always used libraries and recently got my one year old son his own library card. Of course, libraries provide not only books but many other resources which is why it is vital that they are manned by trained librarians and not just volunteers.
In May 2012 the government published a study called Research evidence on reading for pleasure. It states, ‘Reading enjoyment has been reported as more important for children’s educational success than their family’s socio-economic status’ and ‘research found a link between library use and reading for pleasure; young people that use their public library are nearly twice as likely to be reading outside of class every day’. Yet that same year more than 200 UK libraries were closed, with numbers steadily declining.
Thurrock residents must act now to prevent ours from being next.
Michelle Harrison
www.michelleharrisonbooks.com
