‘Feisty’ campaign to continue for library

‘Feisty’ campaign to continue for library

23 November 2011

THE campaign to secure library services in Killyleagh is continuing following a public meeting in the village last week.

Around 30 people attended the session, which was organised to increase awareness about plans to create a new library at Irish Street.

The meeting was organised by members of Friends of the Library Killyleagh (FOLK), who are hoping to secure a new facility for the service, which was under threat earlier this year as part of a review carried out by Libraries NI.

During the meeting a new committee was formed which will drive forward plans to relocate the library before the end of the financial

year.

Politicians and residents are in discussions with a local property owner who is prepared to lease a building to Libraries NI, which would then be home to the new service.

Mr. Billy Graham, who has replaced Mr. Clive Scoular as chairman of FOLK, said he hoped the committee would continue the “feisty campaign” launched by Mr. Scoular.

“We are optimistic about a new library and the people of Killyleagh have demonstrated how important such a service is to them throughout this campaign,” he said.

“We will not give up the fight and are determined to lead from the front.”

Mr. Graham said he hopes to rally additional membership of FOLK on December 6 when Killyleagh’s Christmas lights will be switched on.

He said members of the committee will attempt to encourage local people to join FOLK for just £5, showing their support for the library in a concrete way.

Councillor William Walker said he was heartened by the turn-out and confident the campaign for the new library was going to be successful.

Councillor Terry Andrews said the turn-out at the public meeting gave library officials a “clear signal” about the important of Killyleagh Library to its people.