Derelict land to become reading garden for Kelso Library
Thursday, October 5 2006
Work to create a new outdoor reading and storytelling area at Kelso Library will start shortly, thanks to a £10,000 grant from the Awards for All (Scotland) scheme.
Friends of Kelso Library secured the funding, together with local donations of £2,500 from Charity begins at Home and £1,000 from the Abbey Row Community Centre. The money will be used to transform land at the rear of the library which has lain derelict for a number of years.
The project will create a large paved area with seating, which will be available to a wide spectrum of the community. A special “storytelling bench” will be installed for children from nurseries and schools to use while reading or being told stories. Friends of Kelso Library and their Readers group will be able to host events in the garden, while readers will be able to enjoy sitting out of doors just passing time with a book or newspaper.
Local Scottish Borders Councillor, Alasdair Hutton, said, “This is a marvellous boost for Kelso. Friends of Kelso Library have done brilliantly to secure enough money to create a really worthwhile addition to the Library.” [more]
Kelso Library celebrated its Centenary on 16 May 2006 with a day of activities, including the launch of the scheme to create the new reading garden. A lamp at the front entrance was restored and illuminated to depict the light that reading can bring to inform and inspire everyone who is willing to open his or her mind.
Councillor Hutton said, “This garden along with the lamp at the entrance arch will be a lasting legacy from Kelso Library Centenary year for future generations of Kelsonians.”
Friends of Kelso Library would like to thank Awards for All, Charity begins at Home, Abbey Row Community Centre, Daren Silcock from SBLocal and Librarian Ruth Holmes for their unstinting energy and support for this worthwhile project.
Awards for All is a partnership between four organisations that distribute Lottery funds: the Scottish Arts Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, sportscotland and the Big Lottery Fund.
Local groups and schools interested in applying for funding from Awards for All should contact SBC Lottery Officer Jean Robertson on (01835) 826543 or online
For more information on Kelso Library and Friends of Kelso Library, please contact Librarian Ruth Holmes on 01573 223171 or Councillor Alasdair Hutton on 01573 224369.
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