When it turned out that I had agreed to write what can best be described as ‘words to put on the walls’, I was rather nonplussed. I also discovered that two other writers engaged in similar projects in other Lancashire libraries were poets. Eek!

Despite being way out of my comfort zone, I set to. The task included talking to local people about what was important to them about their town and also what they valued about the library, but I had the freedom to write what I liked as long as I came up with words for specific spaces.

The project is now complete and even includes some poems! As well as my words, there are colourful silhouettes, all of it  cut from vinyl and installed by Sam Jones. Here is some of it; if you visit Colne library, look carefully if you want to spot everything.

In the early stages, one library user queried the point of it, saying that he liked white walls. I hope he’s changed his mind and likes the additions to the building. As for me, after all my doubts about being able to do it, I’m pleased with the way it’s turned out.

And Christine Bradley, the amazingly knowledgeable librarian who helped me with the research, said that librarians from other libraries were jealous.

So that’s all right then.

But lately it feels as if it has begun, as if we are in what e.e.cummings calls Just-spring.

Certainly, round here the world is extremely ‘mud-luscious’ and on a dull drizzly day it can look very much like winter still.

But, corny as it is, it’s impossible not to feel a stir of delight, greeting the return of the familiar elements as one might greet old friends: snowdrops and crocuses, lengthening days, urgent birdsong. There’s a kindness to the air. Such a tender, hopeful time of year it is.

Happy Just-spring!

©Richard Leake and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence