On World Book Day, Mayor Dave says Support Your Local Library

Today is World Book Day, and Mayor Dave Hodgson has marked the occasion with an emphatic recommendation to use and enjoy Bedford Borough Libraries.

Commenting on his Facebook page, Mayor Dave said: "On #worldbookday, a reminder that at Bedford Borough libraries you can borrow from a huge range of books and much more. If you've not been for a while, I strongly recommend popping in, signing up if you haven't already and making use of the fantastic range of books and services.'

"Libraries are sadly disappearing across the country at an alarming rate in the face of massive government funding cuts, with another 127 closing last year alone. We've had to contend with those same cuts, but we've worked successfully to save all of our libraries and the mobile library from closure.'

"We've even increased opening hours in some cases. In fact, at this time on a Thursday afternoon Bedford Central Library, where Cllr Sarah Gallagher and I are pictured here, would have been shut previously! It's now open through until 6pm, with self service for those who've signed up to the free Library Plus membership from 4-6. It's also now open on a Sunday.'

"You can find your local library and find out about opening hours, what it offers and more here: https://www.bedford.gov.uk/libraries/"