There are some who believe that the Upper Norwood Joint Library is a bit like the Tardis: it transports people back to a time when libraries were cherished hubs of a community, expertly run by people who cared about books and learning.
And on Saturday, November 23, the library which faced extermination will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Dr Who.
The independent library which serves all five boroughs of Crystal Palace promises, “a fun-filled extravaganza of a day with Dalek races and a host of Dr Who-themed events including a treasure hunt, raffle, quiz, fancy dress parade, art competition and an exhibition.”
The library on Westow Hill, which had its funding slashed by Croydon Council, invites visitors to come dressed as their favourite Doctor, companion, alien, monster or more abstract Dr Who related concept.
The library would also be very grateful if anyone can contribute any memorabilia to make the experience even more spectacular. If any local shops have any Dr Who-related merchandise which they would be willing to donate as prizes, it would be very much appreciated, too.
The message of support from Dr Who, Peter Capaldi
Robert Gibson, the co-chair of the Upper Norwood Library Trust which is set
to take over the governance of the library, said: “We know anyone with a heart supports our library, but it now seems those with two do as well.”
Gibson was referring to the Doctor’s unusual physiology, which is set to regenerate again in the BBC1 series in the next month, when Upper Norwood Library fan Peter Capaldi – also known as “Malcolm effing Tucker” – becomes the 12th timelord. Capaldi’s autographed picture is a prized endorsement for the library supporters.
“This will be a fantastic community event for young and old alike, so come out from
behind the sofa and join in,” Gibson said. “Crystal Palace will be marking not the extermination of its library but, like the Doctor, a regeneration, thanks to terrific support of the community, local councillors and the tremendous efforts of the remaining staff.”
- Visit www.uppernorwoodlibrary.org for details of how to donate prizes, and for the full programme and timings of events
Coming to Croydon
- St Giles School open morning: Nov 13
- Secret Love at the Ashcroft Theatre: Nov 14
- Summer in February: Nov 18
- Much Ado About Nothing: Nov 25
- Future Tech City: Nov 30
- Comedy in Music show: Dec 1
- Steve Knightly at Stanley Halls: Feb 5
- Inside Croydon: Croydon’s only independent news source, based in the heart of the borough – 262,183 page views (Jan-Jun 2013)
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