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Denise turns up for the books campaign
National library day ... Denise Robertson at South Shields central library.
BOOK lovers in South Tyneside turned out in force to celebrate National Libraries Day.
Libraries across the borough hosted a run of events on Saturday, aimed at promoting libraries as multi-use services which offer much more than books.
North East author and TV agony aunt Denise Robertson led the celebrations with an inspirational talk at the Central Library, in Prince Georg Square, South Shields. She said: “When I began to write, I could not afford to buy the books I needed to study, so I owe my whole career to libraries.
“I spent many an hour in there reading and researching, and I owe a huge debt to this service.
“Now with computers and other modern facilities, libraries are a great resource for the whole community, and if you don’t come along and make the most of what’s on offer, you’re missing out.
“Children especially should be encouraged to come to read, it is so important.”
During the day, local authors and councillors, including Coun Alan Kerr, the deputy leader of South Tyneside Council, read passages from their favourite books at the central library.
Fun and educational activities for children and families took place at libraries in South Shields, Hebburn, Whitburn, Jarrow, and East Boldon, including arts and crafts, music, cooking, and coffee mornings.
Kathryn Armstrong, libraries’ development officer for South Tyneside, said: “The theme for the day is ‘love libraries’, and lots of people have turned out today to prove this is very much the case here in South Tyneside.
“Libraries are key to many people’s access to information, whether it be books or digital or online information.
“For some people, they are the only place where they can go to access the internet. We also host community groups at our libraries which means we are a social hub for a lot of people.
“It really isn’t just about dusty old books. That’s the stereotype, but children visit to do their homework, and we are used by jobseekers. Libraries have an important role to play in our communities.”
Twitter: @ShieldsGazJoe
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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