Give a tenner to save your library

May 3 2012 by Lawrence Poole, Buckinghamshire Examiner

ellen perrin Image 1

A LIFELONG library user has called on the community to club together to replace the stock stolen following a second break-in this year.

Ellen Perrin (pictured) is suggesting people donate £10 each towards replacing the large quantity of computer games taken from Chesham Library.

The break-in, which occurred between April 12 and 14, followed another on January 18, when £15,000 worth of films and computers games were taken.

The library is now faced with replacing stock for a third time at a time when Bucks County Council needs to make savings of nearly £700,000 from its library service.

Miss Perrin, 39, of Latimer Road, Chesham, said: “I have been going to the library since I was three and learned to read.

“I love reading – it’s my favourite passion – and I go to the library every couple of weeks so I wanted to do something to help.

“I thought it might be a good idea if the community came together so I posted on Your Chesham. If everyone on there did it, it would go a long way to replacing all the stock – although I do think they should look at the alarm system too.

“There are libraries being shut all over the place so it’s terrible to see our library being targeted like this.

“It would be great if we could do something to help so its budget is not affected.”

The Mayor of Chesham, Derek Lacey, said: “I would think it would be covered by insurance, but I don’t know. I do think it’s a great idea though and if she wants to get in touch with me, I’ll be the first person to donate £10.”

Police have confirmed the games are UV marked as property of Bucks County Council so they can be easily identified.

Anyone with any information about the break-ins or the stock can call the 24-hour line on 101.

● Will you put your hand in your pocket to pay for new stock? Email bucksnews@trinitysouth.co.uk.