Despite budget cuts, Nottingham’s Meadows Library is gearing up for a big anniversary celebration, showcasing its community spirit and resilience.
Nottingham: The Meadows Library has been through a rough patch lately. With council cuts, it’s had to reduce its hours and face some uncertainty. But guess what? The library is still going strong!
They’re cutting back to 25 hours a week now, closing on Tuesdays and Thursdays. But volunteers are stepping up, and they’re excited to celebrate a big milestone soon.
On March 11th, the library will hit the 100-year mark! Jackie LeHuquet, a member of the Friends of Meadows Library, is super proud. She says, “We’re still here, and it’s thriving!”
Jackie has been using the library for decades. Back in her school days, it was a lifesaver. “No mobile phones or computers back then,” she recalls. “The library was where I found all my info.”
They’ve got all sorts of groups meeting there, like Lego club, science club, and even a sewing group. Jackie loves the sewing group, where folks come together to chat and share their lives.
Last September, campaigners rallied to keep the library open, showing just how much it means to the community. Jackie mentioned that the sewing group is a lifeline for many, helping to combat loneliness.
They’re even making a special wall hanging for the anniversary, incorporating elements from the library’s history. How cool is that?
The big celebration is set for March 8th, and it’s free for everyone! They’ve been planning this for a year, with activities for all ages. It’s a chance to honor the library’s past and look forward to its future.
Michael Edwards, a local councillor, has been vocal about the importance of the library. He believes it’s central to the community and wants to see more people using it. “It’s a beautiful building,” he says, “and we want to celebrate what it means to us.”