Closure of our region's libraries could damage literacy skills
Literacy charity Beanstalk are concerned to see two further libraries closing in Darlington.
A literacy charity says the number of library closures in our region could cost Teesside children essential reading skills.
Emma Rose from Beanstalk has expressed concern after Darlington Council announced the closure of two libraries in the town due to budget cuts.
They've proposed installing a smaller library into the Dolphin Centre instead.
The charity visit schools to provide one-on-one support for children who've fallen behind with their literacy skills.
Libraries across the North East have faced being axed as local government funding grows increasingly stretched.
Emma said: "It just makes me feel really sad.
"I live in County Durham and we've had the same sort of things happening there.
"It's that accessible resource for the kids, it's that community environment, it's somewhere the kids can go after school."
"It's just vitally important for the children.
"There's more and more pressure on schools to get these kids through their literacy."