LIBRARIES

Thinking of the times I've spent in Libraries. As a child I remember my father taking my elder sister and I to Guiseley Library. Mostly I remember going in the dark in the evening but memories are strange the way we remember some things and not others. It isn't big. I loved it because of the books. I took out one called "Ballet for Drina.' And later when I wanted to re-read it I could never find it. I couldn't remember the author (Jean Estoril) and only remembered 'Drina' from the title. How could I forget it?
Anyway, found it years later in a little bookshop. I bought it.

I now live in South Manchester and our library like most now has computers and events. For those who don't have computers at home it's necessary. Many feel intimidated by internet cafes or phone shops where you can go on-line. People need computers to find basics like jobs.

And for parents with little ones they want to encourage to read and explore the world and socialise and learn how to behave in public spaces, these are invaluable. A life line for sanity sometimes on winter long afternoons. Any time.

and then the events - art shows, book readings, festival events. The community is invited in and many, many respond. It's a levelling ground. Anyone can go to any event here. Anyone.
Isn't that what this is supposed to be about. 'We're all in it together.'

Now Woodlands.... What were parks called, 'The lungs of the City?'

So, forests and woods....the lungs of the Country?