Story: Lisa Swift
Local residents have been working hard to raise money for Burngreave Library, to help keep it open and staffed.
Parents at Byron Wood, alongside volunteers and staff at Pitsmoor Adventure Playground, held a Fun Day at the playground in April, raising £150. There were stalls, face-painting, cakes for sale, biscuit decorating, a bouncy castle, mud kitchen and egg and spoon races. Smaira Sadique from Byron Wood School said, “I’m really proud of parents at Byron Wood for working so hard on the day, everyone had a great time. Parents in school are continuing to fundraise for the library, because they know how vital it is for local children.”
St Peter's Ellesmere Scouts and Burngreave TARA spent all day bag packing at Tesco in May raising over £400. Margaret Williams from Burngreave TARA said, “The Scouts were amazing and we were supported by local Councillor Jackie Drayton. It’s a lot of hard work raising money for the library, but we know it is important for the whole area to keep the library open.”
Other contributors to the library fund are the Yemeni Community Association and Fir Vale Pre-School. All the local schools are also busy raising money. There have been donations from John Heath and Sons, Sheffield Wednesday and Michael Palin, who sent a signed book to auction. The effort is being co-ordinated by the Save Burngreave Library Group, supported by Burngreave Tenants and Residents Association and the Burngreave Messenger.
The group is in discussion with the Council about keeping the library open after September. Group member Marcia Layne said, “It’s got to be a professional service so that it can support children and local residents. Burngreave Library is going to be part funded by the Council, and we hope they will support us to keep library staff at Burngreave.”
If you would like to support the group, with a donation or with fundraising, contact the Messenger on 242 0564, mail@burngreavemessenger.org or visit http://burngreavelibrary.wordpress.com
Burngreave Library at Sorby House
Closed Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday
