Ingrow pub serves an ale of a good read (From Keighley News)

Ingrow pub serves an ale of a good read

4:00pm Sunday 10th March 2013 in News By David Knights

Regulars at an Ingrow pub have had their thirst for knowledge quenched with the launch of a new library service.

Mickey Thompson is loaning books, CDs and DVDs to local residents, whether or not they are customers of the Great Northern.

He particularly wants to help elderly residents of Kennedy House, a high-rise block on the opposite side of Halifax Road to the popular watering hole.

Mr Thompson acted when his mother, Mary, who lives in Kennedy House, told him Bradford Council’s mobile library had switched from weekly to fortnightly visits.

He said: “It’s a free service – people don’t have to buy a drink.

“I just want to encourage people to read more. I get half-a-dozen regulars from the flats, including one fella who’s 92 years old.”

Mickey, an experienced TV and film actor and extra, took over the Great Northern earlier this year.

He said there was already a shelf of books regulars had borrowed for years, but he wanted to expand the library.

The intention is people will swap one of their own books or DVDs, but Mickey said they were welcome to just borrow items as well. He already has about 20 DVDs and 30 books, but would welcome donations of more.

Mickey said: “They’re stacked in an alcove at the moment, but if I get enough, I’ll put up shelves.”

Mickey has since appeared in Harry Potter films, Heartbeat, Emmerdale, Casualty and Coronation Street.

He unveiled plans to create a Keighley film and television history museum in a side room at the pub when he first took over the Great Northern. Regulars have been invited to donate memorabilia and stories relating to the town’s popularity as a location for films, soaps and dramas.