Your say / libraries
‘Bristol’s libraries are under serious threat and need our support’
I have a confession to make. I’ve only just joined a library.
As an author and a lifelong a bookworm, I’m a little nervous to admit this. In fact, I am so embarrassed that it took me several attempts to actually join up. I browsed for ages, working up the courage to fill in the form. I thought the librarian would take one look at me, glance at my date of birth, tut, and tell me I was really old enough to know better.
They didn’t, of course. When I filled in my details, the librarian was nothing but kind and helpful.
is needed now More than ever
But really, I am old enough to know better.
I know, and agree with all the arguments about why libraries are so important for our communities. They are safe spaces where we have free access to books, information, ideas – as well as expert advice and support.
I know that Bristol’s libraries are under serious threat, and need our support.
As a child, my parents and I borrowed books from our local library. I regularly took books out of my school library. Later, I spent many hours as a student, working on essays in my university library using books that I had borrowed from its shelves.
So why, as an adult, had I never got round to joining a public library?
Maybe it’s because I love the feeling of owning a book, and being able to return to it whenever I feel the need. I also felt I was supporting authors by buying their books.
This is true. But did you know that you are also supporting those same authors, when you take their book out of the library?
I had no idea, until I came to register my debut novel If I Die Before I Wake for public lending right – a legal right authors have to payment from the government each time their books are borrowed from public libraries. We’re talking a matter of about seven pence per lend, but it all adds up.
It took a combination of becoming a mum and working on my second novel to make me realise that it was time to join my local library in Bishopston.
Libraries are brilliant places for kids; whether you are a card-carrying member or not. There are often play areas where you can sit with your little one, and there are weekly (free!) Baby Bounce and Rhyme and Storytime sessions.
When you add the fact that, as a member, you can borrow new books to read to your child each week – and thus stave off the boredom which comes with reading the same story, night after night – joining up is really a no-brainer.
Working on my second book has also made me curious about libraries, because one of my main characters is a librarian and I have been busy researching the role.
That interest has developed into affection. I am predisposed to liking buildings full of books, so it wasn’t difficult to fall in love. But every time I walked into my peaceful local branch I felt immediately more calm. I felt at home.
I have a new year’s resolution – a few months late, so let’s make it a new tax year’s resolution. I’m going to do a better job of supporting my local library. I’m going to borrow books and tell my friends and family why they should, too. I’m going to take my daughter in regularly, to run her little fingers along the spines and pick one to take home.
I’ll teach her to love libraries. Because I’d hate to see them disappear from our streets.
Author Emily Koch is taking part in World Book Night at 7.30pm on Monday, April 23 at Bristol Central Library. She will be discussing her debut novel If I Die Before I Wake and her favourite reads alongside fellow local authors Joff Winterhart and Yasmeen Ismail. Tickets cost £3 and are available at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bristol-libraries-world-book-night-tickets-44794668058
Emily Koch’s debut novel, If I Die Before I Wake, was published in 2017 by Keep up to date with her latest news at www.emilykoch.co.uk
Bristol libraries montage courtesy of Love Bristol Libraries
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
