Love Libraries lots

Richmond Library was welcomed by the support of hundreds of members of the public on Monday. Newly reopened after twelve weeks of renovations, local booklovers turned up in droves.
The occasion was meant to be marked by television face Ben Fogle at 10am, but the public were already inside around ten minutes before.

Ha, cut the formalities! The beginning of the day was really just a press event with photographers piling through and getting Mr Fogle to do a lot of posing. While trying to edge my way into the backgrounds of the photographer's shots (less conspicuous than asking, and looks more natural when you pretend to show interest in the book you picked up), I noticed he was posing with Kate Mosse's 'Labyrinth.' As I read and reviewed the book for my course, I felt the slightest of urges to test him and ask him his favourite part of the book. I dismissed the feeling, though.

Despite the fact I was actually one of the staff who helped restore the library, from a publican's perspective, the place looks a lot more like a bookshop, and it has the same effect. Piles of the same book are stacked upon eachother as you walk in, and it does make one go over and look at what's on offer!

The painting, new carpet, improved lighting and better space management also contribute to an improved library.

I dislike the fact there's now a self-service coffee/hot drinks machine now. It adds to the 'book cafe' idea, sure enough, but I've given it a test drive and the drinks it serves are scolding hot through paper cups. I'll need to be first aid trained for burns, I can see it going dangerously wrong.

Rageh Omaar, the BBC reporter also came in to give a talk and read from his new book 'Only Half Of Me' in the evening as well. These are the sort of community events we need to see more often. He's a great fellow, answered my question and he even signed my copy of his book (had to tell him I'm doing journalism, as standard)

I feel it's a step forward for Richmond Library.

Also made sure I got a Love Libraries T-shirt!

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