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 really don't understand why all libraries aren't as heavily used as ours - they're free!

E petitions closed down because too many crack-pot petitions being lodged - apparently!

We DO need libraries and this IS horrific.

Count me in.

count me in too.

private libraries-pah- like going back to Victorian times.

That seems to be what they want tho with their 'Big Society' philanthropy rubbish.
What next, the workhouse?

The best form of campaign is to start using your local libraries, and regularly. Boost attendance figures, as these are one of the indicators used.

Talk to your local councillors. Whatever party they are, they won't want their local library closed because it will have a negative impact on their majority. Network with as many local community groups and get them involved.

Local people save libraries, and local newspapers love a good campaign.

libraries are a brilliant thing
only a bunch of total arseholes would mess with them

God this is so depressing,yet another cut for families to have to deal with.

My 3 dc did Space Hop this summer,all 3 read 6 books each(including my reluctant 6 year old). They loved it,I couldn't afford to buy them 18 books.

So far we're loosing our child tax credit,child benefit,our capped water(due to the tax credits going) now our local library. Can't wait to see what's going next.

Thankfully my mother is heavily into books and I hope will help out but not all grandparents are in a position to do so and certainly not at the rate my 3 get through books.

Soooo never voting lib dem ever again.

We are a rural area with a large elderly population. Our library is very well-used. We are a working poor family and I use our library all the time. Children's books we no longer use we usually donate to the girls' school library or the local library, depending on who is taking donations.

But of course, rural Scotland? If ever where was a bastard stepchild of this coalition, this is it.

Libraries are a lifeline - for those in education, children, adults improving their literacy, older people who rely on this sort of service hugely. They're central to the community. And really, in the grand scheme of things, they can't possibly be as expensive as some of the loony "initiatives" we see money being wasted on.

Pah.

the truly tragic thing is they are going to be needed more than ever before
makes me sick, it really does

How can the Internet replace libraries?

I am quite disappointed at this. My DDs have been reading loads of books this summer as they do during all holidays. I can afford to buy books but not about a dozen every week between them. I must admit though, not many people seem to use our library considering how large and central it is :(.

Should have thought well-stocked, easily accessible, free public libraries were an essential expression and component of any modern civilisation which prized education.

So I was obviously wrong.

Naturally a supermarket -run library would be a huge improvement. I am visualising the rows of books and wondering who advised the supermarket which books to get

I could not survive without our local library! We all use it for reading (we could not afford to buy all the books we get through), for the special events (eg a recent 'science boffins' show which would be £200 to bring to your house), for story time for the toddlers and as a friendly place to go.

A while ago I was having a conversation with one of the librarians about our mutual irritation at both having dry curly hair. The next time I went in, there was a packet of hot oils waiting for me as a gift!

I love libraries with a passion and I buy our local library a tin of biscuits every Christmas just to say thank you for the excellent service they provide us with. Our local library (in a rough area) is the only 'communal site' used by babies up to OAPs. To get rid of it would be like swiping an axe into the heart of our community.

I clicked on this expecting to find that your thread title was hyperbole, but you are right - horrific.

A society that doesn't value libraries is screwed, simple as that.

My grandma would be turning in her grave - she got her postgrad degree in library science in the forties and went on to become head librarian in her small New Jersey town, driving massive improvements to the service. She was the main breadwinner when my dad was little in the Fifties, very unusual in their community. She was so loved, her portrait is still in that library and I've always been so proud of her because she was so dedicated to showing people how important and life-enhancing good libraries are. That library is a cornerstone of the community now.

anyway. Sorry. I could spit nails, I really could.

Can every single person on this thread tell me when was the last time they set foot in a library?

Honestly...please

If you all think it is so terrible how come library foot fall is down between the ages of 25-45 years old?

What would make you go into the library - as this is what will save them rather than a campaian

I went in on Thursday and before that Monday. Go most weeks but twice last week to pick up a book I had ordered.

We use the library about twice a year.
Our local one is awful, the shelves are all half empty, no new titles, computers are in really bad shape.
The staff are great but there are no events on other than a weekly story session for toddlers.
This is a library in a busy town centre.

If it was improved we would use it often, we are in the town centre about once a fortnight and I would love to see some interesting lectures there.

I went to my local public library today.

every single week ivykaty44 (oh, though I'm 48 and DD is 10 and DS is 7 so we obviously don't count).

My local library has moved the shelving to make it look less bare - they have no money tp fudn new books and new money has been cut from the budget as the foot fall is down and people don't go in and use the library...

I went on Monday.

Oh but DH is 39 and he's been twice this week so glad to learn he's contributing towards something .

I use the library at least every 10 days, and so do my 2 dcs.

ivy - I went this morning. and go at least 3 times per week on a regular basis.

I'd be really upset if we lost our local library and I expect privatisation would eventually result in this.

Ds loves our weekly trip and always takes out his full allowance of 12 books.

He has had access to all sorts of books that I wouldn't have bought but he has really enjoyed. He seems to enjoy factual books as much stories despite only being 4. I fully admit I am unlikely to have gone into a book shop and purchased the ones he chose today - Orange foods, Autumn festivals and Tree frogs but he currently has the chance to make his own choices.

The regular staff are also lovely and remember all the childrens names and interests and point out local activities we might be interested in. I think libraries are a valuable community resource.