Library hopes to encourage more people to borrow books by holding pole dancing class

A pole dancing class is being held in a library in a bid to get more people to borrow books. The idea is aimed at encouraging people to visit their local library as part of “Love your Library Day” on Saturday February 2. Pole dance instructor Nikki Clark will offer a free, 90-minute pole fitness session on the day at Mayfield Library in Dalkeith, Midlothian.
Nikki, 33, said:  “I go to the library quite a lot and the library manager asked me about a month ago if I would be interested in doing a pole dancing lesson there – I thought it was quite funny 
to start with and I wondered how they were going to put 
it into the Love your Library Day.

“But they just want to promote the library so it’s not just for reading books – they already do small music classes for kids and arts and crafts.” Nikki, who has been pole dancing for five years, will take one pole along to the library to demonstrate moves and allow residents to have a go. And from beginners right up to the more experienced pole dancer, she said there is “a move for everyone”.

Midlothian Council said the lesson would be a one-off to capture imaginations and encourage residents to use their local libraries and borrow books. Councillor Bob Constable, Cabinet Member for Public Services and Leisure, said: “The pole fitness session is a fun and interesting way of encouraging more people into our libraries, trying out all the services on offer and ultimately borrowing more books.”