Sir David Evennett MP has joined a campaign to promote local libraries and their importance to communities in the Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency.

Libraries Week is an annual campaign that celebrates the nation’s much-loved libraries. It takes place between the 8th and 13th October, and this year has a wellbeing theme. During the week libraries across the country are showcasing how they bring communities together, combat loneliness, provide a space for reading and creativity, and support people with their mental health. Libraries Week concludes on Saturday 13th October with community choirs bringing the wellbeing benefits of singing into libraries up and down the country.

Sir David attended the launch of Libraries Week in the State Rooms of the Speaker’s House on Tuesday (9 October). It was hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Libraries and sponsored by Nielsen Book. The event ended with a special performance from New Young Voices Collective, the resident choir at Stratford Circus Arts Centre.

Libraries Week is organised by CILIP, the library and information association, and supported by partners including Arts Council England, The Reading Agency, Libraries Connected, the Leadership for Libraries Taskforce and the School Libraries Association.

Sir David also visited the Slade Green and Howbury Library to help promote the facility and speak with some of the local service users. He is pictured chatting with Charlele Wami, Shirley Ekpo and Emmanuel Morah.