Library under fire after offering free pole-dancing lessons to encourage users But Laura Swaffield, chairman of The Library Campaign, said that while pole-dancing was a novel approach to whipping up interest in local services, using books as table tennis bats was "just a step too far." Bob Constable, Midlothian Council's Cabinet member for public services and leisure, defended the decision saying that the council had decided to host the pole-dancing event as a "fitness session." Ultimately, he said, it was a "fun and interesting" way of encouraging more people to borrow books and try out local library services. He added: "But it's not just pole fitness on offer. I'm delighted to see such a wide range of free and exciting events organised to mark this special occasion. Other activities on offer in Midlothian including country dancing, head massages and an Xbox challenge. Local musicians are also performing, and sessions will be held for hopeful authors on how to write a novel. The pole-dancing event is being held on Love Your Library Day - February 2 - at Mayfield Library in Dalkeith. The pole dancing class is for over-16s only.