On Wednesday (11 December), Cambridgeshire County Council will be shining a spotlight on libraries and their importance at the heart of our communities.
The ‘Light up your Library’ campaign launched by Culture Liverpool, is calling upon local authorities in England and Wales to light up their libraries as a sign of support for Liverpool City Council, who will be reopening Spellow Library and Community Hub on Thursday 12 December.
Following an arson attack on Spellow Library during the summer riots, its destruction prompted a nationwide response, including book donations from Her Majesty the Queen and a host of famous authors.
To mark the reopening, Cambridgeshire will be standing in solidarity by lighting up five of its libraries, including Huntingdon, Ely, St Ives, Ramsey, and Great Shelford. These libraries have been chosen for their good visibility from the street and front facing windows.
Lighting up our libraries will shine a light on the essential role they play in our communities as places of sanctuary, knowledge, and community.
Cambridgeshire is a county well served with 33 county council-run libraries, 12 community libraries, plus three mobile libraries which visit 100 communities and villages each month; and as the winter draws in, you’ll always find a warm welcome.
In safe and friendly surroundings, you can browse the shelves, sit and read, access computers and Wi-Fi for free, or get involved with a variety of events and activities, including board games clubs and craft sessions.
Cambridgeshire is also proud to host The Library Presents, one of the few library services in the country which receives Arts Council funding to deliver a programme of arts and culture across the county.
Cllr Tom Sanderson, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee said: “Libraries are vibrant community spaces where people can come together for social connection, support, and to engage with culture and creativity.
We know how important our libraries are to residents in Cambridgeshire, and so we are proud to be showcasing them and standing in solidarity with Liverpool as they reopen Spellow Library to their community.”
Cllr Alex Bulat, Vice-chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee said: “Our libraries are safe and inclusive spaces open to everyone, and we are committed to being a county that is known for its tolerance and compassion.
“Lighting up our libraries shines a spotlight on the essential role they play in creating a greener, fairer and more caring Cambridgeshire.”
More information on Cambridgeshire Libraries can be found here.
