SPOOKY STUFF!

A Hallowe’en event at Newarthill Library was filled with spooks and books.

Arts and crafts supplies were sourced for a special Hallowe’en themed event which took place during the October school holiday week. Around 40 children and local people attended and thoroughly enjoyed making decorations for the library.

Juice and sweets were provided free of charge to all children and there were hot drinks available for the adults.

Supporters of Newarthill Library chairwoman Angie Walker said: “It is incredibly encouraging to see local people continue to use the library to borrow books, use the computers, read the free newspapers and come along to support our activities and events.

“Local authority budget cuts are a continuing blight on our communities and it is a sad fact that if we don’t use public facilities and services, we will lose them.

“We are in a climate where Westminster cuts Scottish Government funding and the cuts are then passed down to local councils.

“Unfortunately, our committee consists of busy parents, many of whom are also working, so we are limited in what we can achieve on our own.

“We simply do not have the time or resources to lobby at national level so rely on support from our local councillors and MP/MSPs.

“Please continue to support your local library. It is one of the few remaining free safe spaces and we need to appreciate it by making use of the facilities so that we can never be threatened with closure again.”

In November the library will continue its author visits as multi-award winning writer Cathy Cassidy comes to Newarthill.

Cathy has written many best-selling novels for children and young people and is an avid supporter of the committee’s work in saving the library from closure last year.