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The Guardian
- ‘If there’s nowhere else to go, this is where they come’: how Britain’s libraries provide much more than books
‘If there’s nowhere else to go, this is where they come’: how Britain’s libraries provide much more than books
In 2024, libraries are unofficial creches, homeless shelters, language schools and asylum support providers – filling the gaps left by a state that has reneged on its responsibilities
When, one Thursday morning last winter, I arrived at Battle library in west Reading, the library manager, Terry Curran, was sitting at the front desk writing a quiz. “It’s not a hard quiz,” said Curran, who was worried about attendance. “Often just the same two ladies turn up, and they don’t pay attention.” Still, he hadn’t lost hope. He’d even put posters up in the Tesco round the corner.
The phone rang. “Yes, we have a children’s craft session at two,” said Curran’s colleague Amanda Giles, her voice warm and encouraging. “Just come along.” They’d already received an urgent request from the housing team at a nearby council, about someone who had to scan a form by 2pm if he was going to be housed before Christmas. Could the library help? They didn’t usually offer scans, but Battle would make an exception – and they wouldn’t charge.
Continue reading...© Photograph: Christian Sinibaldi/The Guardian
© Photograph: Christian Sinibaldi/The Guardian