North Bushey Community Library to launch with delivery service

Lib Dem campaigners kickstart volunteer book scheme to fill gap left by closure of council library

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Volunteers who were set to open a new community library in north Bushey are adapting the scheme to a mobile service in response to the return of lockdown.

The library was due to open its doors every fortnight from 11th November at the North Bushey Baptist Church, after generous locals donated more than 1,300 books.

But organisers will now focus instead on delivering books to the doorsteps of vulnerable residents who are shielding or self-isolating.

Bushey Lib Dem campaigner Laurence Brass, who's co-ordinating the scheme, said:

"As a physical library has become impossible for the time-being, the next best thing is to deliver parcels of books to those who could most benefit from them - especially people who must stay indoors and are at greatest risk of loneliness, which reading can help alleviate.

"But we'd also like to help families who are currently struggling to find the money to buy books for their children".

Brass first devised the project after hearing from dozens of north Bushey residents who sorely missed the mobile library which had called at Highwood Parade on Bushey Mill Lane until it was axed by Hertfordshire County Council in 2015 - leaving north Bushey with no library service at all.

He said: "The loss of the council mobile library has been a particular problem for people without internet access, or who find it hard to travel several miles to Bushey or Watford libraries, as well as those who simply don't have the cash to buy brand new books.

"Ultimately, we're calling on the county council to restore a properly funded service - but until they do, we're going to club together as a community to provide our own".

Anyone resident in north Bushey who'd like to register for book deliveries - or who knows someone (such as a relative or neighbour) who might benefit - should contact Laurence at laurence@brassforbushey.com or 01923 549097.

If lockdown is lifted as planned on 2nd December, the physical library will open at North Bushey Baptist Church in Park Avenue on 9th December, and thereafter on alternate Wednesday mornings of every month.