Local resident Joe Eurell takes part in #gettoknowyourlibrary campaign

I’ve just moved to this area and one of the first things I did when I relocated was to look up where my nearest library was; which is my access to events and the literature scene.
Because libraries do mean a lot to me. They are one of the last remaining bargains. The ability to come and just have all of this freely available to you is an unbelievable privilege. And I think it’s one we overlook and take for granted.

And Putney Library is fantastic. It’s right next to the High Street and is very accessible. I just poked my head in when I moved and everyone was really friendly and encouraged me to join and said, “This is what events are coming up. Get involved!” They made me feel welcome and that’s what libraries are all about.

For those who aren’t fortunate enough to go to the local bookshop and be able to spend £14.99 on the latest hardback, libraries are key. You have the ability here to access some of your favourite authors for free. What more can you say to that? And it goes both ways in that you support your local library, you’re a user of what they have to offer, and you support whatever author you take out and you’re supporting your local library as well by saying, “I use it and I enjoy it.”

It’s good for the community as a whole to have a library. When you say ‘community’ the library is one of the things that comes to mind. There’s your corner shop, your post office and your library. It’s a real shame that these things are being eroded across the country.

We have this fantastic new library from where I come from in Birmingham, but the hours and staff have been cut and it’s really sad. In the days of austerity services like these are one of the things we have to hold onto. And it’s brilliant that Wandsworth is not closing libraries but supporting them.

Joe Eurell

March 21, 2019