Roald Dahl illustrator joins campaign to save Silverdale library

A campaign to save a Silverdale library has received support from a famous Big Friendly Giant.
Sir Quentin Blake has given Silverdale Library group permission to use his illustrations, such as one pictured here of the BFG. Copyright Quentin Blake 2016, for Silverdale Library.Sir Quentin Blake has given Silverdale Library group permission to use his illustrations, such as one pictured here of the BFG. Copyright Quentin Blake 2016, for Silverdale Library.
Sir Quentin Blake has given Silverdale Library group permission to use his illustrations, such as one pictured here of the BFG. Copyright Quentin Blake 2016, for Silverdale Library.

Sir Quentin Blake, a children’s author who is known for illustrating Roald Dahl’s books, including the BFG, is joining the fight to stop Silverdale Library from closing.

The group have been given permission to use Sir Blake’s illustrations of the BFG and Sophie on their information posters.

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“It is great to have the support of such a well known author and illustrator,” said a campaigner.

“Quentin Blake understands the power of the written word and also the beauty of illustration.

“We are fighting to keep a library facility in the village, so that young and old can have access to both these things.

“I guess Quentin could identify with the importance of this campaign.”

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Lancashire County Council announced a list of libraries which were under threat to close, in September, which included Silverdale Library in Emesgate Lane.

The decisions, which the council says has been forced by cuts in government funding, followed months of public consultation.

Since the announcement councillors from Silverdale Parish Council and residents have been working on an application to take the building over and reopen it as a community library and village information hub.

Margaret Mackintosh, one of the supporters of the Save Silverdale Library group, said: “We have had lots of letters, encouraging emails, posts and tweets from residents of all ages and local groups.

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“We are confident that we have a strong body of support behind us.

“The children from St John’s Primary School used to visit the library every week, they have sent us letters. “Hopefully our bid will be successful and the doors of the library can reopen again soon for the community and visitors.”

A special meeting of Lancashire County Council’s scrutiny committee was held on September 22 to consider whether to call in a cabinet decision to close more than 100 buildings across the county.