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News from library authorities:

LANCASHIRE

Happenings in Lancashire

"Abdul and the author from Manchester", "Talk to Kaleem", "GCSE art course work", "BBC Asian network" "Bollywood theme", "Posters", "Dance", "Fabric" "Mela" - these were the buzzwords that came to mind when thinking about whether or not we should offer a themed evening to attract our local South Asian ladies into Haslingden library. Shaaheda Patel (Lancashire's Positive Action Trainee) and Pamela Ward started planning the event at the end of April. They decided that twenty five ladies attending the event would be wonderful and would make the evening a great success.

Eventually the myriad ideas were pared down to a manageable level, invitations issued and the day drew nearer. The evening of June 12th arrived and we had in place a tabla player, a henna artist, representatives from Penguin India and a wonderful selection of books from Borders in Preston plus displays of books and CDs from library stock together with a most colourful array of garments.

The evening had been planned to start at 6.00 p.m. and finish at 7.30 p.m. so we were dividing it into three parts with the tabla player, the henna lady and the book displays each having an equal slot.

The doors were duly opened and the library was completely overwhelmed with visitors. Approximately a hundred ladies arrived and our well made plans went out of the window. The henna lady was creating designs constantly, the tabla player played his instruments non-stop and books were perused. We went home exhausted but pleased that so many ladies had ventured forth into the library.

Gradually the ladies are plucking up the courage to come into the building, and are asking for new books to suit their tastes. It is the start of a whole new partnership which Shaaheda has formed and which will continue to grow.

For further information contact : Pamela Ward on 01254 306 904

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