OVER the last five years, a group of book lovers has treated the borough's libraries to a host of gifts by raising £5,000.

Friends of Croydon Libraries formed in late 2004 to help ensure the borough's book-lending service gets the funding it deserves.

FULLY BOOKED: John Ingman (back centre) with fellow members of Friends of Croydon Libraries
FULLY BOOKED: Members of Friends of Croydon Libraries have raised thousands of pounds

Taking inspiration from a similar initiative in New York, the group, which has 80 members, holds events and donates the proceeds to the library service.

Chairman John Ingman said: "In 2003, Croydon's library funding was being cut, particularly its book budgets.

"There were at least a few months when no new books were being bought at all.

"I told a librarian about a scheme in New York, where a friends' group had formed in similar circumstances and began to buy new books.

"She encouraged me to set up something similar in Croydon.

"As it turned out, the book budget was restored so, rather than buy books, we encourage the library service to spend the money on something they otherwise wouldn't be able to buy."

This has included £500 to support last summer's Mary Rose exhibition, which was held in Croydon Clocktower, where Croydon's Central Library is based.

Another £500 went towards new display stands at Coulsdon Library and, most recently, a further £500 on a garden seat for the newly-refurbished library in Thornton Heath.

Friends of Croydon Libraries funded these gifts by selling tickets for talks by authors.

Guest speakers have included Henry Hitchings, winner of the 2008 John Llewellyn Rhys Prize for his work The Secret Life Of Words, and fellow award-winning author Kate Summerscale.

Mr Ingman, a retired civil servant from Chichester Road, East Croydon, is proud of their achievements.

The 67-year-old said: "There are lots of demands on the council, so we have to be realistic.

"Already some libraries, like those in Sanderstead and South Norwood, have had to close on certain days of the week.

"Losing the library service altogether would have serious consequences.

"The Friends want to do every little bit they can to help."

The Friends of Croydon Libraries hold monthly meetings in Croydon Clocktower, in Katharine Street.

For more information or to join the group call 020 8660 0775.