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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to think toddler time is a basic part of a library service...

102 replies

stella1w · 26/09/2011 22:06

I think a library should be able to spare someone for 30 mins a week to read stories to toddlers etc as part of their basic service as it helps with pre-literacy etc etc.
Now to help cut the massive council deficit, parents are being asked for a donation (under a headline of CHARGES on the poster) at toddler time.
I'm on unpaid maternity leave and while I will happily just not donate, think it sends out the wrong message to other hardup mums who may just decide not to take their kids along.

OP posts:
purplepidjinawoollytangle · 26/09/2011 22:11

Have you not seen on the news about all the cuts to public spending and how hard libraries have been hit Hmm

TrillianAstra · 26/09/2011 22:11

YABU.

Lending books is a basic part of a library service.

Everything else is extra.

Gigondas · 26/09/2011 22:13

Yabu- and volunteer to do it if so valuable . Am more worried about losing libraries full stop tha this.

meditrina · 26/09/2011 22:13

When I were a lass, that sort of thing was never heard of, but the library service was pretty good.

If you feel that strongly about it, set up a group staffed by volunteers. The library would I'm sure give you the space gratis.

KittyFane · 26/09/2011 22:14

Stella- I don't think it matters how much someone earns/ whether or not the DP can afford it.. I would say it's part of the library service and should be free.
It sounds like your library are clutching at straws (due to cuts) in an attempt to raise funds. It's sad.

KittyFane · 26/09/2011 22:15

YANBU BTW !!!

Birdsgottafly · 26/09/2011 22:18

Do you not have a Childrens Center that delivers services similar to this?

If not then there should be provision. It depends on how much they are charging.

Beamur · 26/09/2011 22:19

I get what you are saying, but I don't agree. I don't see why is an essential part of the library service to offer someone to read to your children.
The books are there for you to borrow and read yourself.

TheThingUpstairs · 26/09/2011 22:21

Due to redundancies and cuts to library budgets, many libraries won't be able to provide this service anymore.

KittyFane · 26/09/2011 22:21

Our library is a wonderful resource in a beautiful old building but the staff are reluctant, miserable and unhelpful. I spend at least an hour there every Saturday and they are absolutely not rushed off their feet.
They are not making the most of their role. It p's me off.

Disclaimer... I know that not all libraries are the same.. Just speaking about ours.

wigglesrock · 26/09/2011 22:26

To be fair, mine does, three seperate session every week, in varying age groups, its queued out the door. They also run a sort of loyalty card idea for older children borrowing books, if you read three over a six week period, and write a little review, you get entered into a prize draw.

KittyFane · 26/09/2011 22:30

To add, it is a library service...It doesn't take a genius to work out that a librarians role is more than stamping books and tidying shelves.

They are facilitators There to enable people to access the facilities available.
How better to do this for toddlers than 'story-time'?

Original poster
stella1w · 26/09/2011 22:32

interesting... last time I went there were about 20 parents at toddler time, so if that 20 quid is going to make a dent in the budget deficit, good luck to the council.

And honestly, I think a library should be able to spare half an hour bringing children together to enjoy reading.

But there you go...

OP posts:
lockets · 26/09/2011 22:34

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

LoopyLoopsPussInBoots · 26/09/2011 22:34

The point is there is no money. Loads of libraries are closing, most others are suffering massive redundancies. The remaining staff are being disciplined for "interacting too much with clients" as it is a waste of money. Sadly, your toddler isn't on the priority list. Fortunately, you can read to him.

KittyFane · 26/09/2011 22:35

Stella- the librarians are already getting paid and should be enabling toddlers and older people alike to access the library. IMO they shouldn't be asking for money.

lockets · 26/09/2011 22:36

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

nenevomito · 26/09/2011 22:38

As other posters have mentioned there has been a massive - sorry, that should read MASSIVE cut to the libraries budget, loads of job losses, huge reduction in qualified librarians, libraries closing all over the place.

And you're pissing about being asked to donate a quid.

If you value your library service that much, why not help support it.

nenevomito · 26/09/2011 22:39

Also, they've managed to get away with the cuts by putting in self-issue machines so they can reduce the number of desk staff.

Self issue machines can't do toddler time.

KittyFane · 26/09/2011 22:40

Lockets- I should think that there are many librarians whose time is stretched due to cuts- however, no evidence of that in our library where in the hour or so I am there each Saturday, two of them stand chatting at the desk the whole time....

GypsyMoth · 26/09/2011 22:41

Isn't this what a parent is for?

GypsyMoth · 26/09/2011 22:41

Reading books to their toddler I mean.....

KittyFane · 26/09/2011 22:42

One of them could be doing... Toddler time... Now there's an idea.

scottishmummy · 26/09/2011 22:43

read to your own child 30mins a week.thats not onerous.and you dont need a librarian to undertake it for you

LA cuts are huge ans swinging frankly no one needs a librarian to read to their kid.its nice admittedly but not essential. one can have an elevated sense of entitlement and expecting provision to read to kids is an abdication of what you can do yourself

lockets · 26/09/2011 22:43

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.