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

Just seems a little cart before the horse.

Would you link to this data please?

You misunderstand me. I am asking the question.

As far as I know, they're being closed to save money.

The suggested closures in our area where to redirect the money to new community centres , as the council decided that was what people need/used the libraries for.

You believe that?

"I just don't like the idea of people having to pay for things that they have no intention of using - and it's no use saying that everyone can use a library if they wish...why should they have to??!77

Let the people that use them pay for them and let everyone else pay slightly less in council taxes!!"

Fucking hell. Do people actually think things like this?

Apparently they do.

Let's make it a pay-as-you-go society and see how far we get..

Because of what has been written lately about libraries being closed or the staff made redundant and the local community being told that if they want to run it they can volunteer, my husband has been taking our children more frequently to our local library than before. They get books, magazines, DVDs and enjoy it so much.

What will happen to the families with children who cannot afford books or magazines at the shops or local newsagent? Where will they get information for school projects if they do not have access to a computer or encyclopedia?

This is awful and a few of our local community are together in thinking it is wrong and doing what we can to keep our little library.

(sorry for poor grammar, punctuation etc, got children distracting me!)

I dont agree with across the board closures but I do think there are some libraries which arent worth keeping open. Our local doesnt even do magazines or dvds. There are two other libraries within a 5 minute bus ride away.

lovelyopaque that does already happen in our local library. All KS1 classes are taken from local primaries. I'm sure it's a very positive experience for them .

porcine we live in a market town and for a lot of people it IS the only place for all the above. To get to a 'proper' town it is a car ride or bus ride and about 10 miles to a larger library.

I agree that if there is more than 1 library in a small town then that is something worth sorting out and organising better, but to close our library would be ludicrous.

That is great toerags

Cant believe the rubbish on here. bottom line is Labour spent money we had not got and now cuts have to be made to uni fees, libraries, child benefit or taxes have to go up whihc is not acceptable. Too many do gooders and moaning middle class mums on here, child benefit is a toalt waste to higher earners. If you cant forgo £15 per week on £40,000 why should the tax payer help you out.

Cant belevie any one in authority would listen to a load of mothers who do nothing but sit at home all day. Cant beleive how easy life is since i had kids and so much spare time when they go to school. Heaven!

Fewer cuts would be made if richer people paid more taxes (on a sliding scale) and tax avoiders were pursued.

I agree Hammer.

Anybody remember Vodaphone?

Wrong thread/site/dimension Emma?

mrs Trellis from Turbridge Wells

'Are the suggestions to close certain libraries not based on useage data?'

No they are not.

MainlyMaynie - they do indeed! Imagine the cheek of it...that we should each seek to pay our own way in life!! Ridiculous!!

How about entrance charges but with free access/reduced fees for OAPs/unemployed etc?

Seems a reasonable compromise to me.

Yes, it is ridiculous. Completely repellent too.

I just want libraries to be centres of knowledge and learning, giving people access to good literature and academic publications including journals. This does not seem to be important or fashionable any more. DVD loans belong in Blockbuster not a library. Computers for general internet access belong in a community centre. Books - proper books - seem to be the least important aspect of libraries these days and it is scarily wrong.

MainlyMaynie - why exactly?

Gaelicsheep, I think the libraries want to be able to offer computers etc in order to get people in who might then also borrow a book. Also, if they did as you say, then they wouldn't be catering for the whole community, which is what they want to do.

I don't think it matters, imo, whether they are called libraries or community centres. Just don't take away the books!