Debbie Stokes shares an insight into her role working in one of our community libraries which are sadly under threat of closure due to Liverpool City Council withdrawing the funding.

I have worked in Breck Road library for over ten years and although we have many avid readers who use the library on a regular basis, we offer so much more than a book lending service.

On a weekly basis we have outside agencies working in the library to offer support to the wider community;

We have Liverpool in Work who offer support to enable people to find work. They often support vulnerable people who have barriers, which make finding a job extremely difficult.

We also have Welfare and benefits support for anyone who has housing or benefit queries. Unfortunately, with so many cuts, it is no longer easy to access this kind of support without travelling to an appointment (which our elderly and disabled customers find really difficult).

We have Anfield Children’s Centre who come in to support parents and children every Monday and Friday. This is always at full quota and people have to be turned away every session because it is so popular.

We have an organisation called Smoke Free Liverpool who come to the library once a week to offer support to those who are trying to stop smoking.

We have a craft/coffee morning where local ladies (gentlemen would be very welcome) meet up for a cuppa and a chat. This has been instrumental in forging great friendships and the ladies often arrange day trips to different places.

I over the years have helped so many people in so many ways;

A lady with 3 young children came into the library one morning and she was very distressed. I took her into the kitchen and asked could I help. She explained that she was a victim of domestic violence and her partner was due to be released from prison that day and had threatened to kill her and her 3 children.

I contacted a Merseyside domestic violence charity and explained the urgency someone came and collected the family and moved them to safety.

I often go shopping for an old gentleman who is really bad on his legs, I sought a bag for him which was easier for him to carry while walking with his sticks.

I offer IT support daily in the library, people quite often have to perform a task online and they really do not know how to do this. I not only assist them but I try to show them how to do it, so that the next time they are not so overwhelmed.

Signposting is a massive part of my role, I like to believe that if I have not got the answers or solutions to some of our customers dilemmas, I can give them the details of someone who can.

Sometimes my role is just to listen to people and have a chat to them, some of our customers live alone and I am very aware that I may be the only person they talk to that day.

Breck Road Library is a real community hub. I am very passionate about my job and the customers who use the library. Watching someone coming through the doors looking nervous, and fearful, then being able to reassure and help them, gives me great satisfaction. No two days are the same. It is a great environment to work in.