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The recent reports about have reminded me how much I value libraries. As a child, I visited our local library every week and my enjoyment of reading stems from being able to borrow and read books, from a wide range of authors.Ìý

I rediscovered my when I had my own children. Fortunately, ours is within walking distance and I spent many a rainy afternoon there reading with my son and daughter when they were young. They loved looking at all the beautiful picture books, even if they did hold them upside down at times.Ìý

As they learnt to read we were able to experiment with different and sometimes obscure books that we simply wouldn’t have done, if I had to fork out for them myself. They also enjoyed the weekly story time at the library and books became as much a part of our daily routine as meals and cleaning teeth. We still use the library a lot. Not only is it cheaper, but our bookshelves are already heaving and so borrowing books makes sense all round.

Research shows that children who are Ìýbefore they start school are most likely to achieve educational success and tend to be the best writers. Few parents can afford to buy their children bundles of books every week, but most libraries will lend at least 12 books out at a time. Of course, children often get fixated on a certain book – I can now recite Sleeping Beauty backwards I’ve read it so often – and repetition is particularly important for young children to help them recognise words, both by sound and sight.Ìý

Being able to choose from huge selection of picture books, learn-to-read titles, stories and non-fiction books is one of the major advantages of local libraries. Children can spend as long as they need flicking through books in a way that simply isn’t possible in a bookshop. Even reluctant readers can find something of interest and, if it’s no good, bring it back and swap it for something else. Librarians are a great help too, if your child is looking for a particular type of book or simply needs some inspiration.Ìý

The national is held in 95% of libraries and is a brilliant way to enthuse 4-11 year olds about reading during the summer holidays when children’s . ÌýAround 750,000 children took part last summer in the challenge to read six books and research shows that this annual event helps children improve their reading skills and develop an enjoyment of reading.

The library offers everyone, whatever their age or background, access to knowledge. Of course, libraries don’t have the budgets to promote themselves. But imagine if they did: Free books nearly every day. No membership fee. No age restriction. Local.

Sounds too good to be true? Soon it may be. Around 400 libraries are under threat of closure, and that’s just the start. It’s easy to take libraries for granted, but when they’re gone, they’re gone. Not a very slick advertising slogan I admit, but one to remember. , before it’s too late.

Sarah Kingsley is a freelance writer and a member of the Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú Parent Panel.

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