Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, celebrated National Libraries Day over the weekend with visits to Perton and Codsall Libraries.
The day rounded off a week’s worth of celebrations in school, college, university, workplace and public libraries across the UK.
In honour of the occasion, Gavin took a tour of the two libraries and their facilities, as well as meeting the library employees.
“I strongly believe that libraries are one of our most important local facilities and it was with great pleasure that I celebrated National Libraries Day with a visit to Codsall and Perton Libraries. I was greatly impressed with the range of material on offer and the obvious dedication of the staff.
“I believe that free access to educational material and literature is extremely important to our local community. The idea that anyone, rich or poor, can visit a library and access tools for learning is one that I think it is vital we protect. The county council recently opened a public consultation on local libraries and I urge everyone to submit the views and ensure that this valuable service is protected for future generations.”
Staffordshire County Council is currently seeking feedback from members of the public about what they want from their local library service and how these facilities can best be adapted to ensure their long term sustainability. Any comments that are submitted will help form the options that will be formally consulted upon later this summer.
You can comment via email to: connectedlibraries@staffordshire.gov.uk or online at: http://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/leisure/librariesnew/Shape-your-library-service. Leaflets are also available to fill in at every Staffordshire library.