Library archives are back

BY CALUM FRASER
calum@slpmedia.co.uk

An archive collection is open to the public again.

Bexley’s Central Library was refurbished in January meaning the library and the archives upstairs were closed to the public.

However, they opened again on February 1 and community archivist Oliver Wooller said the public can’t get enough of them.

On Thursday he said: “I have been on my feet all day and the phone hasn’t stopped ringing.Still, it’s great to be open again.”

The archives date from the 14th century and relate to every town, village and parish in Bexley.

Simon McKeon, Bexley Local Studies & Archives Manager, said: “We are delighted that our doors are now open, so that visitors can now access the wonderful collections we hold that chart the history of Bexley.”

Works included improvements to Central Library facilities, bigger meeting rooms and refreshing the look and feel of the place.

Cabinet member for community safety, environment and leisure, Cllr Peter Craske, said: “It’s good to have Central back open.

“The refurbishments will make a great difference to library users and have all been finished in time for our first ever book festival, BookBuzz.”

BookBuzz launches this Saturday – February 10 – and will run until February 24.

Dozens of events will take place across the two-week period, from a Harry Potter themed day to a talk from the secretary of the Jane Austen Society. Rosie Goodwin, bestselling author of the The Little Angel and Mothering Sunday, will be talking about her life and books on Tuesday, while Rory Clements author of the popular Thomas Wilde thriller series, will be speaking on Monday.

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at www.bexleylibraries.eventbrite.com