THE Friends of Darlington Libraries would like to reassure people that the library IS staying in Crown Street, and the future is looking bright.

Repairs to the roof are being made, some comfy new chairs installed and lots of exciting events planned. The building will be getting lots of attention in the next year or so.

We are putting the past behind us, and looking to a brighter future.

Darlington Borough Council needs people’s views about what they would like the Library

Service to provide over the next ten years.

The Friends are helping and supporting them in this process.

We hope you will join in and give your comments and spread the news that the library is staying in Crown Street.

You can give your comments through a council webpage which includes information about the vision for the library service, and ideas of how it could look, and a form for you to add your comments (www.darlington.gov.uk)

Or you can give comments at one of the many events that are listed on the webpage, including Magic Shows on Tuesday, February 19 – 11am to 1pm in the Cornmill and 1.15pm to 3pm in the Dolphin Centre, and Cool Science Workshops in the Indoor Market on Thursday, February 21 – 11am to 1pm.

The Friends are inviting supporters to come along to give their comments in the library on Tuesday, March 5 from 2pm to 6pm and on Saturday, March 9 from 10am to 6pm.

Or you can go in the library any time and fill in a form at the desk. The closing date is March 15. There is a fantastic BookFest between March 4 and 9 with lots of events. Information is on the library website and programme leaflets are available in the library.

As there is an election in May, the new plans for the service will be available in the Summer.

All the comments made at the previous consultations will be considered, as well as these latest comments.

Paul Howell, (on behalf of the Friends of Darlington Libraries)