DVD blow for library (From Bucks Free Press)
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DVD blow for library
9:22am Friday 9th December 2005 in News By Paul Leat
Anger: Closure protestor Annette Smyth with library's burglary notice
MICKLEFIELD Library was dealt a fresh blow when raiders broke in and stole its entire 15 and 18-rated DVD collection.
The library is already facing the chop after Bucks County Council announced plans to close it, along with seven other small libraries.
And now the theft is likely to eat into valuable funds which should have been used to increase available stock.
David Cannings, 46, from Micklefield Road, who is heading up the fight to save the library, said the burglary had come as a massive blow.
He said: "It is such a shame because the DVDs are really well used.
"But this won't stop us, everyone is determined to fight for this library."
Burglars smashed a window to get in and made off with 67 films from the shelves, worth around £1,113.
Jean Fraser, librarian, said the raid had left a huge mess to clean up. She said: "They came in and caused mayhem as usual. There was glass everywhere and books on the floor."
Replacing the DVDs could use up valuable funds which would otherwise be used to improve the library's facilities. Following the burglary a glass window has been replaced with a reinforced pane to stop intruders getting in again. Signs have also been put up in the library to tell users why there are so few DVDs on the shelves.
Mrs Fraser said the council were looking to replace the DVDs as soon as they could.
The burglary took place on the night of Tuesday, November 22, the day after campaigners met at Ash Hill School for the council's consultation meeting on the proposed library closures.
Police are now looking for anyone who may have information on the burglary.
PC Katie Granger said: "I am appealing for any witnesses, particularly anyone who may have heard or seen anything during that evening or may have seen anything suspicious near the library."
Anyone with information should contact PC Grainger on 0845 8 505 505 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
