Book exchange launched in Walsall community
A new book exchange and support service for residents in a Walsall area has been launched.
Charity Residents R Us has teamed up with Birchills-Leamore councillors Gaz Ali and Amo Hussain to set up the venture in Beechdale Lifelong Learning Centre.
The book exchange will operate like a library while there is also a new charity shop and signposting services giving people advice. They will also be able to see the ward councillors to raise issues.
Beechdale Library was closed in 2017 along with eight other district facilities as a result of budget cuts.
This new book exchange has been endorsed by Vicky Ford, minister for children and families, when she visited the area recently.
Sue Lycett, chairwoman of Residents R Us, said: “We have moved to our new premises and our book exchange and community charity shop are doing really well. We are helping so many people.
“Also people can come to meet the councillors for advice and support with local issues.
“We also provide general advice and signposting service which is totally confidential or they can just pop in for a coffee and a chat our doors are always open to everyone we also run a food bank everyone needs help sometime
Councillor Ali said: “Residents R Us are one of my main partners and we want to create somewhere where residents can go with their issues and we can signpost them to the appropriate services.
“There will, of course, be things we can help them with too, such as explaining letters to them.
“We want people to attend our centre and feel at home, sit here and read, discuss their issues and be signposted to other services.
“We’re keen to work in partnership with other local organisations in our ward for the benefit of residents and this’ll make our community stronger and more united.”
Anyone who can help volunteer or donate books, laptops or computers to the project can contact Councillor Ali at cllr.gaz.ali@walsall.gov.uk or 07795 014030.
