A nine-year-old schoolboy turned up at Full Council on Monday to challenge Warrington Borough Council over the proposed closure of Westbrook Library as a cost-cutting measure.
Ardern Mansfield, who was supported by other pupils from St Philip Primary School at the meeting, read out an impassioned plea asking the council what pupils, family and friends would do for their “mental health and wellbeing, connect with others, read books, learn, develop a love of reading, relax, attend activities, complete their homework and choose books that they can take home — all for free – if Westbrook library closes?”
It’s believed the youngster from St Philip Westbrook became the first child ever to address the Council at the Parr Hall.
Arden, a school librarian, read a question on behalf of the school council regarding the council’s proposed closure of Westbrook Library.
The group came well-prepared with banners and signs in support of Westbrook Library, which the council are currently consulting on closing. Local parish councillors, ward councillors and members of the newly formed Friends of Westbrook Library were also present.
The council meeting started with the usual routine. The Mayor, chief executive and leader of the council all present, a packed house. Pleasantries out of the way and it was quickly Arden’s turn to speak. Invited to ask his question by the Mayor he confidently and clearly represented the cause, asking his question to the representative council member, Cllr Tony Higgins.
In response, Cllr Higgins directed people to respond to the consultation, and stated ‘nothing is off the table’.
Youngsters demonstrate outside the Parr Hall
This is the question asked by Arden:
“Westbrook library is such a special place and is extremely important both to us and to our local community and we feel that closing it would be a terrible mistake. Every week, four classes from our school, with thirty children in each, visit the library to explore and share the books, read together, connect, pause and reflect, and learn. That means one hundred and twenty children from our school alone use the library almost every week during school time.
“After school, even more children visit the library to enjoy reading from the vast choice of books, complete homework, play games, use the computing equipment, colour and draw, attend clubs, meet parents, or borrow books. On Saturday mornings, the library is also full of children and adults enjoying the facilities together. The library really is a special community place for us all.
“Many families cannot afford to buy lots of books, so the library gives us all the chance to discover incredible books, read exciting stories and learn so much from the fantastic non-fiction texts there. Without the library, many children would miss out on all of this. Reading books makes us happy, supports our mental wellbeing through being able to ‘connect’ with others (this is one of the Five Ways to Wellbeing that we learn about in school), helps us to learn so much and fosters a love of reading that will stay with us for life; this is so important for our learning and future success.
“It has been proven that children who read regularly are more likely to succeed, not just in our Year Six SATs but also in high school and beyond. The library also helps us to ‘take notice’ (which is another one of the Five Ways to Wellbeing) as the library is a safe place where we can pause, reflect and practice mindfulness while enjoying a book.
“Outside of school, where will the children of Westbrook be able to walk to locally with their family and friends to support their mental health and wellbeing, connect with others, read books, learn, develop a love of reading, relax, attend activities, complete their homework and choose books that they can take home — all for free – if Westbrook library closes?”
1 Comment
They closed the library in Grappenhall in 2011 we reopened it in 2012 with volunteers operating it. We’ve had to cope or lose the service