I love a library and today I visited the ones in Springfield and Galleywood. I met parish councillors and volunteers in Springfield and the parish council chairman Anthony McQuiggan in Galleywood. Both of these are very cherished local resources, used by by mums and toddler groups, action children and older folk.
In Galleywood I heard how the computer terminals are used by local residents for a wide range of purposes including accessing benefits and looking up academic articles. Bookclubs use the library service to order up multiple copies of their next read. People who can not travel into central Chelmsford often go to the local library. The summer reading challenge is also hugely popular.
Book borrowing is down and the County Council has announced plans to restructure libraries. This is hugely concerning. Parish councillors are determined to keep their libraries open and are working hard to find the best way forward. They have my full support.
