By Paul Macdonald

The future of Warminster library is up for discussion and its use during the pandemic is being assessed by Wiltshire Council.

Now,  retired schoolteacher and lifelong bookworm Terry Cross is canvassing to encourage friends to respond to Wiltshire Council.

“Books are important,” said 78-year-old Terry. “From the age of 11, I have borrowed books from Warminster library. I was a pupil at Frome Grammar School when I asked a schoolmate ‘where did you get that book?’

“I went to the library in The Close enthusiastically where I did not dare step on the squeaky floorboard as librarian. Mr Hall demanded absolute silence, all those years ago, then it was Portway House, and now the modern one.”

The library has been a major help throughout his life from student to pensioner, and he visits almost every day it is open. “I needed special reads for my degree studies and the library was invaluable and free,” explained Terry.

“I think the library remains inspirational. I like browsing quietly looking for a new read. “It is also home to the book club where up to 15 of us meet up once a month  sharing our views of the same book.”

Terry has firm views about which option should temporarily be adopted during the emergence from pandemic lockdown. He does not have internet access at home and relies on the library for occasional research and being able to read and send e-mails which is a modern requirement.

“I could only apply for a visa to visit one of my holiday destinations on-line,” explained the septuagenarian, who taught in far-flung places like Saudi Arabia.

“It has to be option three,” said the bookworm who borrows a book each week on average. This option is: ‘A socially distanced service offering some access to browse stock and use computers. This would operate in up to six libraries from the end of August and a maximum of a further four, subject to staff capacity and social distancing requirements.’

“Options one and two are essentially the same and are not sensible,” said Terry. Those choices either allow no or very limited access. “It should be easy to socially-distance at the computers and have people move on after their session. There should be no eating or drinking at the computers.

“Option three is the one that continues the semblance of a real library. One needs to be able to look and make choices from books displayed, which is the joy of a library. “If the survey is not responded to, it will be an easy step to close library services in the town,” he stressed.