A small business owner in Bollington is organising an event for kids to raise their voice on the potential closure of Bollington Library.

Siobhan Alexander, of Bollington wellness centre Mother Nature Sanctuary, is getting behind the campaign to 'SAVE BOLLINGTON LIBRARY' by arranging an event for kids to come down outside the Library and have their say.

While not explicitly confirmed by Cheshire East Council, sources such as Friends of Bollington Library Group claim that Cheshire East Council is planning to consult the public on proposals to close Bollington Library with effect from January 1 2025.

A poster campaigning against the rumoured closure fo Bollington Library, outside Bellfields on Palmerston Street.

Posters around Bollington have recently cropped up, from a child's perspective of a potential Library closure, but this free get-together aims to take it one step further.

On the morning July 6, children and their families are invited to for a photo, mingle, and chance to share materials about the possible Library Closure.

"The event on July 6 is about engaging the children," said holistic therapist Siobhan.

The rumoured closure follows the reduction of opening hours implemented late last year.

"The purpose of July 6 is to gather at the Library, and allow children to come with their letters, banners, posters, whatever they would like to bring, and allow them to have their voice.

"It is also a great opportunity to sign the petition, which currently has 601 signatures.

"It is a short, sharp and simple event. So it is not too much for parents to get involved with.

A petition can also be signed via this link https://www.change.org/p/save-bollington-library-a-vital-community-resource-at-risk

"It will take place from 10am to 11am, it is a peaceful gathering outside the Bollington Library.

"My youngest is seven, I told them they were going to close Bollington Library and they said 'Oh no! They can't do that, we love the library'.

"I just need as many parents to get behind this as possible."

Proposals are expected to be put before the Council's Environment and Communities Committee on July 25 2024.

Siobhan knows through teaching baby massage classes to new parents in her studio space, that they would then go on to use the Library and forge friendships there. So in her view, she knows how much it is appreciated by the community.

"For me personally, the Library was my saviour, they have sessions on for all sorts of different ages," added Siobhan.

"The Library is more than just somewhere where you go and get books.

A poster for the campaign, on Adlington Road. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"It is one of the few community hubs, in Bollington, and the only place that offers so many free parent and child group sessions.

"It supports people's mental health, I know that running a wellness business and being a mum-of-three.

"There are times where you can go there, go to something like rhyme time, meet other mums and come away not feeling quite as lonely."

Bollingtn Library is open five days a week.

"The Library forges a great relationship with children, from an early age. Reception pupils of Bollington primary schools go take books out there.

"To remove that out of the community and not give children the chance to have their voice, doesn't feel right."

The event on July 6 will see artwork related to the Library unveiled by primary school pupils.

Siobhan's business is located on the same street as Bollington Library.

"The library is a wealth of information. I had a client who didn't realise how much admin they do, such as sorting a blue badge for their relatives," explained Siobhan.

"We decided to do this event also to raise awareness for parents, as some people could not come to the public meeting on May 30.

"We are working to a tight deadline of July 25 [the date of the next relevant Cheshire East Council meeting]."

Photographers and videographers are welcomed to come down on the day.

So should you wish for you, or your little one to take part, head to the pavement outside Bollington Library on Saturday July 6.

In May, Nigel Macartney Treasurer of the Friends of Bollington Library, stated "The thought of kids crying over the closure of the library is really upsetting to parents in this town."

You can read what Cheshire East Council has previously told Macclesfield Nub News about the rumoured closure on this link.