The Working Class Movement Library in Salford has found itself the target of electioneering leaflets issued by Salford Conservatives.
The leaflet states that the Library has “been receiving tens of thousands of pounds of your money over the last few years and yet you cannot walk in and read any material”.
However the Library, founded by Ruth and Eddie Frow from their own personal collections in the 1950s, whilst getting a council grant each year, opens its doors to any member of the public on a daily basis between Tuesday and Friday.
Maggie Cohen, Chair of Trustees, said: “The Conservatives have now, in effect, told every household in Salford that they cannot use the Library.
“This is not merely untrue, but actively detrimental to the huge efforts constantly being made by Library volunteers and staff to encourage local people to come and share the Library’s fantastic resources.
“Everyone is welcome to the free talks, film shows, exhibitions and tours held here. Just next week we have three free film screenings plus Salford’s only contribution to the national Museums at Night celebration, and we are looking forward to taking part in the Spirit of Salford Festival later this month with the Salford launch of a new biography of Shelagh Delaney.
The library holds more than 250 years’ worth of artefacts that help tell the story of Britain’s working classes from the beginning of industrialisation to the present day.
Cohen adds, “We would like to assure everyone that they will receive a warm welcome if they pop in to visit this Salford jewel”.
