She heard a shuffle on the other side and the sound of the bolt being drawn back. The door edged open to reveal Chantal, a sixteen-year-old who came into the library to do her homework. She was hoping to get a scholarship to university, and Junesometimes helped her study. But today Chantal’s eyes were red, mascara smudged around the edges.
“Chantal, are you okay?”
“It’s nothing,” she said, wiping her face on her sleeve.
“Are you sure? Has something happened at home?”
“No.”
“What’s wrong, then?”
“You’re gonna think I’m stupid.”
“Of course I won’t,” June said as she steered Chantal behind the privacy of a shelf.
The teenager fiddled with one of her long braids. “It’s just... I’ve got an English exam next week and I know I’m going to screw it up.”
“Oh, I’m sure you won’t. And I can help with your revision, if you like?”
“Stanley’s been helping me, but it’s the exam I’m worried about. I’m so nervous, I know I’ll stare at the questions and not remember any of it. I can’t sleep I’m so stressed.”
“Oh, I understand. I really do,” June said, recognizing the anxiety in the girl’s eyes. “Perhaps you could try some relaxation techniques? Or find something else to take your mind off the exam.”
“Like what?”
“Well, I usually read a favorite book, but that might be the last thing you want to do right now.” June thought for a moment. “I know. Why don’t you come to the library meeting on Thursday? It would be great to have a younger person there and it will be a good distraction for you.”
“What library meeting?”
“The one with the council about the proposed closure.” Junewatched the teenager’s eyes go wide. “Oh god, I’m sorry, Chantal. I assumed you knew.”
“The council want to close the library?”
“Well, maybe. It’s not confirmed yet.”
“But they can’t do that; I need this place,” Chantal said, her voice rising. “I can’t study at home—there’s no space.”
“It’s not definite yet. We’ll find out more at the meeting.” June felt a wave of guilt; Chantal was stressed enough already. “I’m sure it will all be fine.”
“What about my university application? You promised you’d help. And Mum needs the computers for her benefits.”
“Why don’t you come to the meeting on Thursday so you can tell the council all of this?”
“I can’t. I’ve got to babysit the twins for Mum,” Chantal said, her head dropping. Then she looked up at June. “Will you speak to the council for me?”
June felt a familiar tightening in her chest. “Oh, I’m not sure I’m the best person.”
“But they’ll listen to you. Me and Mum need this place, June. Please, you have to tell them.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
When June arrived at the church hall on Thursday evening, it was already crowded. Rows of chairs had been set up facing a makeshift stage, and June could see Stanley sitting in the front row. Next to him was Mrs.Bransworth, wearing what looked like a homemade T-shirt withsave our librarieswritten in black felt-tip pen, and Linda and Jackson were sitting a few rows behind. June looked around in the hope Chantal might be there, but there was no sign of the teenager.
Stanley spotted her and gave a wave, signaling to an empty seat nearby, but June pretended she hadn’t seen him and made her way toward the back of the room. This whole setup reminded her too much of school, and she took a seat in the far corner, where she hoped no one would notice her tonight.
As June sat down, she saw a woman and two men enter the room. One of them was Marjorie’s husband, Brian, a man who only read biographies of world leaders.
“Right, ladies and gentlemen,” he said, waiting a moment for the room to quieten. “You all know the reason we’re here tonight. Last week, Dunningshire Council announced that they want to restructure the library service in the county. As I’m sure you’re aware, our library is very close to my heart...” At this Brian gestured toward the middle of the room, and June saw Marjorie beaming like the Cheshire cat. “So, I asked some representatives from the council to come along and talk to us this evening. There will be an opportunity for you to ask questions at the end, but first, may I introduce Richard Donnelly, one of the councillors, and Sarah Thwaite, the council’s head of libraries and information services?”
