Cambridge Library Services.

2.3 million visitors, that is the number of people who went to their local Library in Cambridgeshire, last year, borrowing over 3 million books. These were some of the facts given by Sue Williamson, a Service Manager for Cambridgeshire Library Services when she was Guest Speaker at March Rotary Club on Monday 11th April.

Introduced by Ross Davies, she explained how, in this day and age, there was more to a Library than just issuing books. They have moved rapidly into the high tech sphere to meet modern demands, from all age groups. A Library Card is something one can hold from the cradle to the grave.

One of these innovations is Sure Start, whose is "To improve the well-being and life opportunities of young children aged under five through better health and child care, and play and educational opportunities, from the moment they are born". This is just one of the many initiatives that have been introduced in recent times.

At the other end of the spectrum, people over 50 can receive 'hands on' instruction in the operation of computers systems, e-mail, the Web, etc., so there is no need for anyone who wishes, to feel 'passed by' with technology.

Question time after produced an above average response, and in proposing a Vote of Thanks, John Reeve, one of the Clubs most senior members echoed the thoughts of all who attended.