Next week’s local elections in England and Northern Ireland are the ideal time to speak up for libraries and make sure that local councils understand that libraries are a low-cost, essential resource – deeply valued by local residents.
That was the call from the Speak Up for Libraries alliance – which includes UNISON – as it urged people to make public libraries a central issue in local elections.
The alliance noted that many library services are already threatened by deep cuts and widespread closures of vital local branches – but the unprecedented cuts to government grants that local authorities are facing mean that those services are in danger of being seen as soft targets for more cuts, despite being a statutory requirement.
“Libraries remain the lynchpin of communities, offering access to learning, information and enjoyment,” said the alliance.
“Libraries are a trusted public space, a place for everyone. They play a crucial role in improving literacy standards and in combating the digital divide.”
Speak up for Libraries is asking local councillors and candidates to sign up to the following manifesto:
- acknowledge that libraries are important to people – especially when times are hard for individuals and communities;
- give a commitment to engage with communities to design services that meet their needs and aspirations;
- make sure library services are properly resourced and staffed with a commitment to a service that is publicly funded, managed and run by paid professional staff;
- recognise that properly funded library services contribute to the health and well-being of communities and so complement the work of other public services.
The organisation also wants councillors to lobby the government to:
- give libraries a long-term future, with a vision for their future development and clear standards of service;
- enforce the legal requirment to provide a “comprehensive and efficient” library service – which should also include digital, IT and ebook services.
