Libraries are Important. #Readers #Books #Libraries #Librarians #Pembrokeshire #Wales

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Image courtesy of Pixabay

When I was a child my mother took me every Saturday to the small library in our village. I was allowed six books – usually all read by the Wednesday (I was one of those kids who read by torchlight under the bedclothes – and got away with it for years!) I would then wait, not always patiently, until the weekend, when we would go again. I think it was a great relief to both my mother and myself when I was at last allowed to walk to the library by myself.

By the way… In the very olden days libraries were named from the Latin “liber”, meaning “book.” In Greek and the Romance languages, the corresponding term is “bibliotheca”. Or, if you want to go with the medieval version “Calque of Old English bōchord (‘library, collection of books’), equivalent to book +‎ hoard.”

Just thought you might want to know that.

Anyway, when I was a child – libraries were just… libraries. The place one went to to borrow books. For free!!

Image courtesy of Pixabay

Today, libraries are still one of the few free services left. Libraries are used for many different reasons; they contain not only books. magazines, newspapers, manuscripts, but also CDs, DVDs, e-books, audiobooks etc. They connect us to information. And, important in these days, they are also community hubs where authors (if they’re lucky) can go to give talks, hold workshops. It’s where people can connect with other people. They are safe havens.

Reading for pleasure, is one of the most important things one can do, so what we need to make sure of is that future generations have the opportunity to do just that. Books represent the chance for us not only to enjoy the work of so many brilliant writers, but to also to grow, to change, to see life from other points of view. We will only ever see life through our own perspective … unless we read.

In our area, the Pembrokeshire County Council has approved its budget for 2023-24. We will have a Council Tax rise of 7.5%. It would be wonderful if the value of libraries and librarians were understood; if those in authority – those with access to their council budgets – acknowledged this importance for every generation. If enough funding were to ploughed into libraries to preserve them.

Image courtesy of Pixabay

Each month on the Libraries Wales website, they focus on introducing an author based in or writing about Wales. I am thrilled to be the author for April 2023. And I am more than happy, alongside other friends who are also writers, to talk about the value of books and the enjoyment of reading. Just give us the chance!!

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27 thoughts on “Libraries are Important. #Readers #Books #Libraries #Librarians #Pembrokeshire #Wales”

  2. Congratulations on being the author of the month! Some of my fondest memories are of my Saturday trips to the library with my parents (who were grat readers) and spending time in the large and comfortable children’s library on the lower floor.

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  6. I love a library. As a child I always wanted to become a librarian. Your library was rather generous. We were only able to borrow three books at a time. It moved to four as we got older and I don’t think it was six until I was adult.

    Libraries are the best places!

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  9. How lovely that you are author of the month, Judith! I too went to the library every Saturday when I was a child. I took my own children to the library as well. They are such wonderful places. I wish I had time to go to the library these days as they still give me a lovely feeling of peace.

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    • Thank you, Val. I was thrilled – gives a little boost. I love libraries, and I just wish that local councils would see their value to every generation, especially these days when so much is offered there. I speak often to librarians who do such sterling work to encourage young and old into their establishments. And you are so right about the peace they offer… unless it’s children’s listening hour😅 when the laughter and chatter lifts my spirts as well x

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  11. Hi Judith
    we agree with you that public libraries are important not only as a community hub but, as you wrote, for connecting information and to preserve books. You mentioned authors reading in libraries. Well, I was a professional author but my agent would never let me read in public libraries as the fees are too low and the PR is too local usually. If I would read in a public library I have to pay travel expenses, fee of my assistant and secretary organising my tours, fee of my agent and taxes. A normal library can’t pay the fees I need. It’s a pity but that’s reality.
    Thanks and all the best
    The Fab Four of Cley
    🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

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    • Something to think about, I know. I’m a published author myself, but without having to pay an assistant and a secretary, so I’m always happy to read and talk at libraries. I just feel that without readers, there is little point of writing my books, so love to meet them, wherever they are.😊

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