to think that we NEED libraries? This is horrific.

[StuckInTheMiddleWithYou]

Would MN like to run a campaign on this?

www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/terence-blacker/terence-blacker-hands-off-our-public-libraries-2057131.html

I haven't been a member of a local library for a few years now as it has nothing to offer me and my children.
Many now are just glorified computer rooms, that's what most people use them for now. It frankly ruins the atmosphere of the library with the constant taping of keyboards and gibbering away.

On the book lending front many seem only to stock chic lit ( which I don't read) or bestsellers, my reading habits or more varied so doesn't other much for me.
For the children again mostly common best sellers, they have them all and more at home.

allnightlong have you tried asking them to order the books you do want?

This isnt news sadly. My mum works at a library and they have seen this coming for several years. The infrastructure has been gradually been changing over the last 10 years or so, so it isnt any one governments fault.

'There is nothing for me in our local library.'

Oh well .. better get rid of it then if there's nothing for YOU IN IT! Jeez!

This is the fault of labour and the banks.

Libraries are not that essential to people who are childless, affluent and in full time jobs.

For everyone else - children of every age, pensioners, unemployed and those who value reading and knowledge but cant quite afford new books every week, they are an essential and wonderful facility.

In this financial and ideological cuts climate, the number for the former are reducing all the time and the number of the latter growing.

It is sheer insanity to be closing libraries at this time - when they are needed the most.

If anything the government should be increasing the support they give to libraries.

The best thing about a library is not the obvious access to books ... but access to books that you might not otherwise consider. If people are restricted to reading what they buy, we will narrow people's horizons.

If you don't want libraries to close, tell your local council to fire diversity officers, five-a-day co-ordinators, full-time union staff paid for by the taxpayer, quangocrats, and middle management. Urge them to drive up back-office efficiency and make cuts in back-office staff.

Given how inefficient and unionised most councils are (especially long-time Labour councils), it is almost trivial to make cuts without hurting services. Any competent business person could do it without blinking.

Labour councils obviously choose to make their cuts to highly visible projects. Don't fall for it.

"The best thing about a library is not the obvious access to books ... but access to books that you might not otherwise consider"

Well said! I hate the "Well you can get books on Amazon, in charity shops blah blah argument." It's crass and it's stupid.

Our (small) local library is used all the time. It's always busy. There's a silent study room upstairs as it's generally a bit too noisy and bustly to work downstairs. There are homework help clubs, book clubs, reading groups to improve mental health... and that's just a few. The collection is small though diverse and the librarians are helpful and order stuff for you.

Our local library is also a safe and stimulating place for many many vulnerable people. Its loss would leave a massive, gaping void in community life.

And well said to you too Biscuitscoco.

Fight for the cause. They are worth it

I read about 3 books a week. I have a long commute on public transport. It would cost me a fortune to buy them. Also lots of elderly people borrow lots of books including my dad. he gets through about 4 or 5 books a week. No way could he afford to buy the amount of books he reads.

I can see for many people who don't read much, the option of telling people to buy their own books seems a sensible one. But if you read lots this isn't a viable option.

Sorry, lesley33, don't understand your argument. Your dad likes to read, a lot. He can't afford his habit therefore the taxpayer should subsidise it?

I like travel, which broadens the mind, but can't afford a holiday every month; will you subsidise my habit too?

Reading helps to increase empathy and intelligence, so that you can understand other's arguments.

purits that's not a fair comparison. My gran uses the library in the same way as lesley33's dad and it's absolutely what keeps her going. She can't get out anymore, can barely hear what's on the telly and can just about hear Radio 4. It's not a habit or something she 'likes' like you like travel - it's a lifeline, one of the very few pleasures left to her.

a1b2

toeragsnotriches. Glad you liked it.

toerags what you said is what I was trying to formulate but couldn't because I was so upset that there are people with the attitude of purits. (Also not very good at explaining at the best of times) Sadly I think there are a lot of people who think like that. Which is why these cuts and other public service cuts are being made. But sometimes if you explain to people, it is something they had not realised and they change their minds.

Yes reading helps you to understand politics too and that maybe governments don't always have the best intentions. An uneducated, ill-read population is SO much easier to deal with don't you find?

Much laughter here that people could actually think reading "a habit". I would surmise Purits that libraries probably are wasted on you.

Found out recently that they're closing the library in the village my family live in. It's a large village, the library is chock-a-block all the time. They're closing the one in the next town too apparently.

My 83 year old grandad is going to lose a lot more than the ability to borrow books when it goes. He's going to lose part of his routine, part of his independence, part of his link to the community.

And my new nephew is going to grow up without a local library. My sister is by herself and doesn't have a car or enough money to buy new books. Yes she can probably fill the gap with second hand books etc but she shouldn't have to.

As an English teacher I am battling every day to get the message across that reading is important. This whole thing makes me want to scream!

I'm sorry I just have to comment on a post ages ago. Longfingernaails 18.33. Union staff wages are paid for by the members of the Union.

Reading is not just an enjoyable habit. It can be the only mental stimulation a lonely pensioner gets. It can be the only real eduaction a child in a crap school gets (that's my story btw - crap school, good library thank god).

Libraries provide academic and text books that can be a lifeline to someone on a low income studying, be it formally or not.

I'm broke but currently writing a book - the library has provided most of my research material.

Reading is not an enjoyable luxury for rich, it's something everyone should have access to.