Prominent Suffolk residents Emma Freud, Michaela Doherty and Gina Long have just been announced as the first ever official patrons of Suffolk Libraries. Here, they explain why they wanted to lend their name – and support
The Executive Producer of Comic Relief; the MD of Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park; and the Founder of GeeWizz Charitable Foundation are all lending their names to Suffolk Libraries. Comic Relief Executive Producer Emma Freud is co-creator of Make Poverty History and the Live 8 concerts and was awarded an OBE for services to the charitable sector; Michaela Doherty is the Managing Director of Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park; and GeeWizz Founder Gina Long MBE is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, freelance journalist, and global charity campaigner.
All three have been impressed by the impact Suffolk Libraries makes on local communities in Suffolk and have been happy to lend their patronage to help the organisation spread the word about its work.
Emma Freud says: ‘I thought I knew what libraries in the UK were all about – I was entirely wrong. The 45 Suffolk libraries are really special – run by a charitable trust, independently from the council, they exist as a centre of support, warmth, education and connection for our communities.
‘They’re not just here to lend inspiring books (though they do that too) – they are busy, vibrant, crucial centres of activity… tackling loneliness for parents and young children, or tackling isolation for the elderly, running classes to help adults become more employable, hosting Citizens Advice sessions for ALL citizens, as well as craft clubs, film clubs, theatre events, gardening lessons, conversation sessions for non-English speakers, and a stack of events to nurse the creativity of an entire country.
‘As Executive Producer of Comic Relief, I’ve spent the last 30 years campaigning on behalf of projects that make a difference to the lives of people across the UK. I am now truly honoured to support this incredible network of ‘Super-Libraries’ with their vision to make life better for all the residents of Suffolk.”
Michaela Doherty says: ‘As a mother to four girls I’m passionate about nurturing children’s literacy. I am equally keen to support the local community through safe and meaningful meeting places. I’m proud to support Suffolk Libraries in providing these spaces in a warm, accessible and friendly environment – at the same time supporting a charity that works tirelessly to improve the wellbeing of others.”
Gina Long says: ‘I have a strong belief that our libraries should be loved, nurtured and supported in the long-term, without the invaluable services that they offer being jeopardised. Libraries are the fundamental foundation of our community which helps literacy, wellbeing, the reduction of social isolation along with adding multiple other benefits people can enjoy.’
And Bruce Leeke, Chief Executive of Suffolk Libraries, adds: ‘We’re delighted to have our first ever patrons on board! Suffolk Libraries has many avid and passionate supporters across the county who can see the incredible difference we make in our communities and believe in what we do. It’s fantastic that such well-known local people have pledged to support and champion what we do as it can only help us to get the message out to even more people about the work we do.’
Visit suffolklibraries.co.uk
Featured image of Emma Freud supplied by Suffolk Libraries
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