Committee formed to save library

More than 40 people turned up at a meeting to hear more details about the purpose of such a group and to elect a committee to run it.

The move followed a campaign by local historian Malcolm Haigh who wanted to make sure that the library had a strong voice to oppose any cuts proposed by Kirklees Council.

The meeting was given an insight by librarian Amy Hearn into the ways a Friends group could serve all age groups in the local population, followed by a personal view from Carol Pearson about the establishment of the Friends Group at Birstall library and the means it was using to cement the community.

The meeting went on to elect 11 people to become officials and committee members and take over its development. They are Simon Roadnight, Jane Hicks, Colin Hicks, Ann Pickles, Nasir Hussain, Harriett Beaumont, Helen Sutcliffe, Janet Virr, David Martin, Fazila Fadia and Coun Amanda Stubley.

Mr Haigh expressed delight that the formation of the Friends group had been achieved in such a short space of time. He said: “It shows that the library building and the service means so much to Batley people.

“It already serves a wide range of interests - reading, art, computers, talks and so on – but with the help of Friends it could develop even more.”