Literacy news
Campaign for the Book to launch legal challenge on library closures
10 Mar 2011
Children's author Alan Gibbon’s “Campaign for the Book”, has launched a legal challenge to Ed Vaizey the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. The campaign believes that the Minister has failed to comply with his duties under the 1964 Public Libraries and Museums Act and has approached law firm Leigh Day to investigate whether the current library cuts contravene the legal requirement for a “comprehensive and efficient” library service in every local authority.
Mr Gibbons said:
“I have asked Leigh Day solicitors to pursue the Campaign’s concerns over the possibility of a large scale withdrawal of funds from public libraries. I think it is vital that the Courts examine the legality of the Secretary of State’s approach on the provision of libraries in England and Wales. He has a duty to ensure that councils provide a ‘comprehensive and efficient’ service. I believe that he is failing in that duty.”
Leigh Day are currently seeking information from across the country to show that closures threaten their legal right to a library service. Useful information includes:
- Library reviews undertaken by the council
- Statements from the council announcing closures
- Minutes from Overview and Scrutiny Committees, Cabinet Meetings or Council Meetings
- Letters from local campaign groups
- Letters from residents
- Information about literacy rates, deprivation statistics, demographics
- Evidence that the council has failed to conduct an Equalities Impact Assessment or looked into local public transport networks
Information should be sent to librariesact@voicesforthelibrary.org.uk and the deadline for submissions is 30 March 2011.
