Barrow Library becomes a hive of activity
BARROW Community Association (BUSCA) has reflected on the challenge it took up to manage the village library two years ago.
Judith Rodgers of BUSCA said: “We were the first of the rural libraries to take over from Leicestershire County Council.
“We have gone from strength to strength and are very well supported by residents of Barrow. They come up trumps as volunteers, as customers, as sources of ideas and of resources.
“The library has become a hive of activity both during opening hours and for the many special events including talks, family history courses, book signings, craft sessions and even surgeries for business advice.
“Our latest celebration was the presentation of a cheque for £1,385 by Loughborough Building Society for which we are very grateful.
“Many of our volunteers and users now save using Barrow Community Library Affinity savings accounts at The Loughborough, and the cheque was the first annual bonus payment to us.
We are also very busy with our project’ Making friends with computers’ supported by Barrow Parish Council.
“We take out laptops to village organisations and give all sorts of help assisting people with their computing questions and problems. For example four library volunteers attend weekly coffee mornings at Bishop Beveridge Club for the over 60s.
“A significant number of their members have now cracked how to send emails, use Skype to communicate with grandchildren, manage their digital photos and cope with utility bills. This is Digital Inclusion in Action.
“Recently Barrow Panto Group donated £567 from the proceeds of their murder mystery. The money is about to be spent on graphic books aimed at young teens. The books are visually irresistible!!
“A recent donation has been used to buy a puppet theatre and a set of puppets. It is in constant use after school. Our Rhyme Time sessions for threes and under is now weekly due to increased demand.
“Generous donations of good quality books have created a vibrant and up to date choice for users of our Independent Book loan system.
“All Barrow library needs now is more room.”