Community library for north Bushey

It's been five years since north Bushey lost its mobile library service - but now Bushey's Lib Dem councillor team are set to fill the breach by launching a new book-lending scheme for the community.

The free service will be open to all residents, but organisers particularly hope to target elderly and vulnerable people, and disadvantaged families, who may lack internet access or be unable to make a round-trip of several miles to Bushey or Watford libraries.

Local people will be encouraged to donate books, which can then be browsed and loaned from a north Bushey venue, or where appropriate delivered to people's homes. The Lib Dems have identified a benefactor who has already donated a thousand pounds to kickstart the project.

Bushey Lib Dem campaigner Laurence Brass said:

"North Bushey has no physical library, so the mobile service, which previously called at the Highwood Parade on Bushey Mill Lane, was very popular - but since the County Council axed it in 2015, to save money, we've been left with no library at all.

"We've been hearing from so many residents who really miss a means of accessing books locally - especially during these Covid times, when reading can help relieve loneliness and isolation.

"We're calling on the Council to urgently restore a properly funded service - but until they do, we're going to provide one instead, with help from the generosity and goodwill of Bushey residents".

Alison Castelow, a resident from the Mill Way and Mead Way neighbourhood, said:

"The old mobile library was such a great resource for the whole community and brought young and old together. Without it, it can be hard to get to any library from around here without a car. So the idea of a new voluntary library sounds fantastic".

Organisers plan to open the service as soon as possible once it can be guaranteed to be Covid secure. If you'd like to help, contact Laurence at laurence@brassforbushey.com or 01923 549097.