THE Leale’s Yard redevelopment is the obvious site for a library for the north of the island. Maggie Falla, the chief librarian at the Guille-Alles, who has worked there since 1980, said that it would provide the perfect location for something which is desperately needed.

‘The development of Leale’s Yard is a perfect opportunity and an obvious place to have a community provision. For about 15 years we have had the desire to open another library. The Bridge is the second biggest shopping centre and would cater for anyone who can’t access Town,’ she said.

The library is publishing a survey in tomorrow’s Guernsey Press asking readers whether the permanent closure of Market Square will affect their use and their seeking views on an additional one at the Bridge.

Miss Falla said that in order to meet UK standards for library services, all of the population should live no further than two miles away from one.

‘With only one building we don’t have the service that we should have because there isn’t enough free Internet access and some people have to come into Town just to use the library,’ she said.

‘By having a second library on the Bridge, it would put it right where people in St Sampson’s and the Vale could get to more easily – these areas have a large population,’ she said.

St Sampson’s deputy Sam Maindonald said that she would wholly support a second library at the Leale’s Yard site.

‘I would be very supportive of anything which would encourage people to read more and use the other facilities the library has to offer. Leale’s Yard would be a prefect location,’ she said.

Vale deputy Geoff Mahy said that he used the Town library often, but the convenience of having a sub-library closer to home, especially for older people, would be welcomed.

‘I think it would be an excellent idea and I know many people who make use of the library who live in the north of the island who would appreciate access to books without having to go into Town,’ he said.