‘More than just a place for books’ (From Bucks Free Press)

‘More than just a place for books’

10:38am Thursday 1st December 2005 in News

WORRIED mums have urged council bosses not to take Micklefield Library away from their kids.

On Saturday, many said the plans would leave children with a gaping hole in their community.

Annette Smyth, a mother-of-three who lives in Totteridge, has been going to the library all her life. She said: "It is more than just a place for books.

"As a child I would come to the library when I was bored and also it gave me a basis for learning which I have never lost."

Parents' concerns come as Micklefield stands as having one of the worst pass rates for 11-year-olds at Key Stage Two in the district. Only 63 per cent achieved a level four or above in English in 2004 compared to an 82 per cent average in Wycombe. Youngsters are further behind in maths with a 48 per cent pass rate.

Karen Langley, 45, who lives in Micklefield Road, said the library had helped her son develop since they became members.

She said: "I have tried to encourage him to read more books. He likes motorbikes and basketball and has got into that because Jean the librarian has helped him. We get together and it is a nice social place for us to go to."

Miss Langley, who uses the library with ten-year-old son, Jaye, said part of the reason she decided to move to Micklefield was because it has a community library.

Sarah Hobbs, 38, of Hawthorne Road, Micklefield, uses the library with sons Matthew, five, and Samuel, aged three.

She said: "We would still be able to use the library in Wycombe because I am fortunate enough to drive, but not everyone can."