MANY of your readers will share with me the memories of being taken at a young age by parents to visit the local lending library.

The excitement and wonder of a whole building full of books and a library ticket of your very own with which to borrow the books of your choice to take home!

Many things have changed since then but this generation of young people should not be denied the pleasures of reading and learning courtesy of our local libraries.

From April 1, Thirsk Library, along with many others in the county, will lose the bulk of its paid employees and much of its funding owing to Government austerity cuts and yet will be expected to deliver a full library service run by a voluntary committee and staffed by volunteers.

The library needs the support of the whole of the community if it is to survive and succeed.

Thirsk Library serves not only Thirsk and Sowerby (whose councils have already made grants) but also the villages in the surrounding area. I would ask residents in these villages to urge their local parish council or parish meeting to make a grant (preferably on an annual basis) to the library to help maintain its financial viability for present and future generations.

There are also many other practical ways in which individuals can support our library. I would also ask anyone who is able to consider offering a few hours of their time each week or each month to help out as a volunteer.

Many readers will already be members of the library enabling them to use its many services free of charge. If you can afford to why not also sign up as a Friend of Thirsk Library (scheme launching in the near future) for a small annual subscription or give a straightforward donation via the library website (thirskcommunitylibrary.org.uk).

Remember also that Thirsk Library is not just about books – it is a resource for the whole community with school visits, learning events, free services such as downloads of e-books, e-comics and electronic copies of popular magazines, limited free computer use and many other services which are either free or available for just a small charge.

Together let’s ensure it has a future.

Steve Hoyland, Thirsk