THE Friends of Darlington Libraries would like to encourage people to engage with the conversation meetings on the future of our libraries.

The council say they want:

To increase access to library services so more local people have the opportunity to fully engage in education, learning, employment and community initiatives at Crown Street;

To ensure that the public library service within Darlington can respond to the community’s needs both now and in the future;

To keep books and reading at the heart of the library service;

To support the town’s ambition that by 2026 Darlington is recognised for its world class heritage and as the birthplace of the modern railway, by providing a range of creative and cultural activities for people to engage in and promoting awareness and enjoyment of Darlington’s heritage and culture;

Opening up access to the Centre for Local Studies, which tells the story of Darlington’s history.

We would like as many people as possible to engage and provide direction to the Council on how to achieve this and the importance of incorporating our history and culture into our future and maximising assets like Crown Street in supporting the town.

You can find details of these events on both the council website and the Friends Facebook page.

Paul Howell, On Behalf of the Friends of Darlington Libraries