Libraries
Public libraries
Most towns in Britain have a public library. A library usually has a large selection of books and other resources, which library members can use and borrow for free.
Britain’s First Public Library
The first public library in Britain opened in Manchester in1852. It’s first librarian was a man called Edward Edwards, Edwards attended the library’s opening ceremony and two famous writers called Charles Dickens and William Thackeray were there too.
How to Join aLibrary
To join a library, go to your local library and fill in a form. you’ll receive a library card which is needed when using library services
Mobile Libraries
Not everyone can get a library. Some people live far away from towns and cities. Other people find it difficult to go out because they have an illness or a disability .Thanks to mobile libraries, these people can still borrow books.
Unlike most libraries, which store books in buildings, mobile libraries usually keep their books in a mini –bus. The back of the mini- bus has shelves for the books, and it is big enough for borrowers to step inside and look around. A driver takes the mini-bus to a certain place at a certain time, so people know when to expect it. They can then return their books and borrow some more .
All Aboard the Library
A school in London didn’t have space for a library inside the building. However, everybody agreed that it was still important to have a school library. So the head of the school, Graham Blake decided to park an old bus on the school car park and changed it into a library. Pupils helped to paint the bus, and after eight months, the new library was ready .
1. Who was the first librarian of the first public library in Britain?
A. Charles Dickens. B. William Thackeray
C. Edward Edwards. D. Graham Blake
2. Who can use public library services?
A. CD or DVD sellers. B. Anyone living in Britain.
C. A person with a library card. D. Newspaper or book writers.
3. What is special about the mobile library?
A. Keeping books in buildings.
B. Returning books to readers.
C. Offering special services to pupils.
D. Going to a certain place at a certain time.
4. Why did the school in London build its library on an old bus?
A. Because parents offered the school an old bus.
B. Because pupils thought it was fun to read on a bus.
C. Because the school didn’t have enough money to buy books.
D. Because the school didn’t have enough space inside the building.
5. What can we learn from the passage?
A. Schools in London like mobile libraries.
B. Public library services in the UK are free.
C. People living far away can’t use libraries.
D. Many famous British writers lived in Manchester.