We joined the library when we moved to Frome and I can’t believe I previously managed so long without one.  I suppose my active membership of a library tailed off as my business became successful and instead of waiting for a book to be ordered, I simply went along to Waterstones and bought it.  Indeed I remember many pleasant evenings spent browsing the shelves, having locked up clean offices for the night, and then heading for home clutching my latest purchase.

The library saved my skin in the weeks immediately after our move when BT systems meant broadband couldn’t be connected to our house for four weeks.  As a member I could have an hour’s free internet access a day, which meant I could at least check emails and do a bit of research for the book, with the deadline only six weeks away.

I still find it quite amazing that I can order a book online at home, and just a few days or maybe a couple of weeks later, get an email telling me it’s ready for collection, all for the princely sum of 60p.  Even a recently published book, still only available in hardback.  I’m making the most of this extraordinary service, as I hear newspapers are no longer available and the internet access time has been halved.  How long before the powers-that-be decide it’s too expensive to move books around the countryside at a member’s whim?