Can some Harry Potter magic help to save Croydon libraries?
Coming to a library near you: actor Ralph Ineson, as Amycus Carrow
Locals in Norbury hope so, as they are staging a “read-in” at their under-threat local library from 11am to 1pm on Saturday (Feb 5), featuring the actor Ralph Ineson – who plays Amycus Carrow in the Harry Potter movies.
Kids [insert here obligatory mention “of all ages”, yuk] are encouraged to turn up dressed as their favourite character from the books.
Remember children – before the HP films, there were books and they can be borrowed from your local library. And if you ask Councillor Sara Bashford nicely, she might even give you a book token paid for her out of her Croydon Council allowances, because she thinks it is cheaper than lending the book from a library…[Please note: the previous paragraph may have contained flashing lights, strong language or irony]
Library campaigners have been encouraged by moves in Lewisham, where the legal requirements on councils to provide an adequate library service have been found in a 1964 Act of Parliament. And closer to home, Croydon Central MP Gavin Barwell has called on the council not to close Shirley Library.
- Little-known fact: Ralph Ineson, as well as having appeared in Coronation Street and The Office, now works as the continuity announcer for the TV station Dave.