THIS week I thought I would write in praise of a institution which serves our community well – Wilmslow Library.

Anything you want to know about the area or how to access information, particularly when it comes to tortuous council or government schemes, can be found there.

It’s only when you venture into libraries that you realise how important they are to communities and it’s frightening to think they are at risk of government cuts.

I remember when my daughter was young, we spent many hours in the library borrowing and reading books and taking part in lots of fun activities, so important in getting little ones engaged with books and reading.

But there’s all sorts to be found in the library. Neighbours recently advised me to call in before I invested in a new railcard.

There, having provided proof that I live in Wilmslow, I was given a code which when used on the National Railcard website entitled me to a further discount.

Organisations like Age UK can be contacted through the library (on Tuesdays from 9.30am to 12.30pm) and then there’s Wilmslow Energy Partnership which is offering residents, through the library, the chance to borrow an energy monitor.

They are easy to use and show where in the house most electricity is being used. Library members can borrow them for up to three weeks.

There’s a customer service point to help you find whatever you’re looking for.

The library’s website also has a wealth of information to help you, with pages for activities and a What’s On guide.

As you would expect there are all the usual services around lending books but in partnership with the Royal Voluntary Service, there’s a Books on Wheels service.

There is also a Reading Well Books on Prescription to help people who suffer from a range of mental health conditions and lots of materials for children with special needs.

You can also get help with technology and a range of CDs, audio and ebooks to suit every taste and need.

Family history research has become very popular and the library can help you with ancestry taster sessions.

These cost £5.

In 2012 photographic society ‘Lindow 10’ took photographs for an exhibition in the library.

The images capture frontline and behind the scenes activities and there’s a video slideshow which the library can share with local residents.

Do you agree? Email yourviews@guardiangrp.co.uk