Petition launched to stop Morecambe Library going self-service

A campaign to keep Morecambe Library fully staffed is gaining momentum.
An Eric Morecambe art exhibition is one of many events which take place at Morecambe Library.An Eric Morecambe art exhibition is one of many events which take place at Morecambe Library.
An Eric Morecambe art exhibition is one of many events which take place at Morecambe Library.

The new manager of the Arndale Centre has spoken out against plans to make the library a self-service ‘satellite library’ and has set up a petition for shoppers.

Sarah Harrison said: “It’s ridiculous that it’s not going to be staffed.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The petition will be passed on to Lancashire County Council as part of the current public consultation on countywide propsals to cut library services running until mid-August.

The 1st Morecambe Rainbows with helpers Paul Good, Vicki Good, Melanie Monks and Chelsea Good, and leader Michele Good (back, second right).The 1st Morecambe Rainbows with helpers Paul Good, Vicki Good, Melanie Monks and Chelsea Good, and leader Michele Good (back, second right).
The 1st Morecambe Rainbows with helpers Paul Good, Vicki Good, Melanie Monks and Chelsea Good, and leader Michele Good (back, second right).

At the moment 
Morecambe Library is not only used for lending books but also as a venue for many varied community groups.

They include the 1st Morecambe Rainbows, part of the girlguiding movement, who use one of the library’s ground floor rooms for weekly meetings.

Paul Good, a volunteer helper at the Rainbows, said: “We don’t know what’s going to happen but we’re worried we’re not going to be able to use the room any more.

“We love it here. It’s clean and safe.”

The 1st Morecambe Rainbows with helpers Paul Good, Vicki Good, Melanie Monks and Chelsea Good, and leader Michele Good (back, second right).The 1st Morecambe Rainbows with helpers Paul Good, Vicki Good, Melanie Monks and Chelsea Good, and leader Michele Good (back, second right).
The 1st Morecambe Rainbows with helpers Paul Good, Vicki Good, Melanie Monks and Chelsea Good, and leader Michele Good (back, second right).
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Rainbows, all aged between five and seven, have transformed the outdoor area in the centre of the library into a garden with lovely plants and are also growing fruit and vegetables as part of their gardening badge.

Paul’s wife Michele is group leader and their daughters Vicki and Chelsea help out too.

“We’ve been members of the library since we moved to Morecambe in 1988,” said Paul.

“We don’t know how a satellite library is going to work. But kids like to browse through the books. It won’t be the same if it’s picking your book online and then going in to collect it.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Jan Gomez is director of Positive Futures, a training company which runs classes at Morecambe Library for people who want to improve their mental health and well-being,

“Lots of vulnerable and older people use Morecambe Library and it worries me that they might be marginalised,” said Jan.

“They often need face to face contact and support. I don’t think these people will use a self-service set-up.

“Morecambe Library is central. It’s safe and people trust the staff.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Here are some of the classes and events held at 
Morecambe Library...

Family history/ancestry drop-in surgeries (twice a month)

Reading groups (last Thursday and Friday of the month)

Chess and Scrabble (Thursdays)

Lego Club (Thursdays)

Baby bounce and toddler rhyme time (Wednesdays)

Knit and Natter sessions including crochet, embroidery and other needlecrafts (Tuesdays)

Beginners ICT sessions (Tuesdays and Fridays)

Film clubs (every fortnight)

Yoga classes (Mondays)

Job clubs

An Eric Morecambe art 
exhibition

Chinese drumming workshops

Cub scout sleepovers

Ukelele concert

Venue for the 2016 ‘Bard by the Beach’ Shakespeare festival

Archived Visitor and Guardian newspapers on microfiche