Story & photos: John Mellor
Burngreave Library could be under threat of closure under Council budget plans. Regular users of the library and its members of staff believe this would be a critical loss for Burngreave.
Janet and Mary, long-time staff members, told the Messenger that many people in the community depend on the library for essential services. They said,
“Many people are referred to us from the Citizens' Advice Bureau and Sheffield Homes to use the computers to download information and official forms. They need this to make applications for government and council services. Without this facility, many local people would come up against a brick wall. The library is popular with children from Pye Bank School, who visit regularly and do not have to face the hazard of crossing a busy main road to reach us, as would be the case if the library was transferred to Sorby House.”
Several of the people using the library said it would be greatly missed if it closed down. Judith said,
“I enjoy the friendly and relaxed atmosphere in the library, as does my daughter-in-law when she works occasional shifts here.”
Saleban brings his children to the morning nursery at Pye Bank and uses the library while he waits for them. He told me,
“I am currently studying for an international GCSE qualification on a distance learning course with Oxford Open Learning. Burngreave Library is an ideal and quiet place for me to pursue my studies whilst waiting to collect my children.”
Another student, Katje, studying at City College, said the printing facilities were very important for her course work. Margaret, a volunteer with the Burngreave TARA, said,
“I find the library a great place to borrow books and also obtain DVDs for my grandchildren. I always find that the staff create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, always willing to ‘go the extra mile’ in giving help to people who need it.”
Clearly, Burngreave Library is a very important and essential resource for the large number of local people who use its services. It would be a tragedy for the community of Burngreave to see it close.