Literacy news
Libraries in spotlight
3 Feb 2012
The second national day of library action on Saturday 4 February saw hundreds of events take place across the country including author visits and read-a-thons to highlight and celebrate the service. Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson even penned a library poem to mark the occasion.
A year ago it was predicted that 600 libraries could go, yet so far, only 32 in the UK have closed. Forty-three mobile libraries have also shut down; eight libraries have been handed over to local communities to run; four more, in Lewisham, have been transferred out to a social enterprise company.
But with financial pressures on councils now greater than ever, there are fears that the next year could look very different. Public Libraries News lists 407 libraries as being at risk of closure, with many more expected come the new budget year in April. In addition, the move towards community-run library schemes in place of outright closures has its critics. Another theme of the past year has been the "hollowing out" of library services, as authorities desperate to meet squeezed budgets leave library buildings intact but cut back on staff, opening hours and book funds.
Under the 1964 Public Libraries & Museums Act, which underpins the service, the culture secretary, Jeremy Hunt, has a legal duty to superintend public libraries and make sure local authorities are providing a "comprehensive and efficient" library service to all residents. Next week may see a significant development on this front, with the culture, media and sport select committee, responsible for scrutinising the work of the department, due to start taking oral evidence in an inquiry into library closures. Find out more about making a written submission.
On 13 March, authors, librarians and campaigners will join in a rally and a lobby of parliament to tell MPs their views directly.
Read the full article at The Guardian.
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