Library recycles shark spied in monster exhibition

A community group may ask organisers of big exhibitions to put on taster shows at a local library.

Woodston Library, on Orchard Street in Peterborough, has been given a model of a shark that featured in a recent Monsters of the Sea animatronics exhibition at Peterborough Cathedral.

The Friends of Woodston Library, a group campaigning to keep the site open, said the shark had given children who were unable to get to the cathedral a taste of what had been on display.

Group organiser Jennie Storey said she was now considering asking organisers of other events to stage mini shows.

"The shark has been gifted to us by the cathedral," explained Mrs Storey.

"We've got it on display.

"My idea is to ask people having big exhibitions - the cathedral, the museum - to put on taster shows at the library.

"Not all children can get to see these exhibitions and it would be an experience for them.

"I think it would be an interesting idea."

Mrs Storey said the "recycled" shark had been created out of household waste to highlight environmental issues, adding that all were welcome to visit it, including local schools.

The friends group has been campaigning in recent months to keep the 73-year-old library open.

Peterborough City Council has put the library on a list of assets at risk of being cut in order to balance budgets.

The council said earlier this month that members hoped to make a decision on its future soon, with officials suggesting the building was not being used enough.

However, campaigners said the site was not being adequately staffed and it wanted opening hours extended.

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