Should we save our libraries ?

[Kizzie]

I see Michael has got behind his local campaign.

Bless Him

Should we be campaigning to save our statutory library service….after all it's only one little shove off the statute book relieving all local authorities of the financial burden.

Edited January 18, 2011 by Kizzie

[jump]

Link doesn't seem to work for me.

As for Liabraries, yeah sure save them. You can rent cds, games & dvd cheaply, they're good when studying things & it gives old people somewhere to go.

[FunkyDenz]

I think we should be saving the libraries.

Libraries are a great way of discovering authors you wouldn't normally buy, or for doing research. School children use them for projects and homework. It might be possible to track down the information on the internet, but it can vary in accuracy, whereas published books are more likely to be accurate.

Often their local history sections are great for anyone interested in their area, and they offer a community resource / meeting place.

They are fantastic resources for children, where parents can take them to get them interested in reading without an additional expense. They have internet access, some even offer computer lessons for people new to the internet.

I've also used libraries when I'm away from the office, between home visits, as a great place to sit down and write up some case-notes.

[5co77ie]

We should all do this at our local library to show support:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-12204369

[5co77ie]

Link doesn't seem to work for me.

[dakyras]

Libraries were the vehicle that increased literacy, the quality of modern literature and raised the ancient universities in this country to the lofty academic heights they now enjoy.

If anything lets a child read a book that he or she otherwise would not have had the opportunity to, then it should be kept open.

[Kizzie]

try http://www.independent.co.uk/news/a2187030.html

[Katster]

As a Librarian, I obviously think we should.

When my local library was closed I campaigned to save it but wasn't successful. The building has stood empty ever since.

I don't care how much the world changes, there will always be something special about libraries. To me, at least.

[rabid]

YesI think they should be saved but I think they have to be creative and adapt. The library in my town seems very much to still be in the dark ages and not much goes on there so I could see it getting closed and not too much fuss being made. On the other hand Newcastle City library has recently reopened after refurbishment and is now an amazing place with all sorts of new innovations (even 24hr book vending machines ) and the PCT I work for has recently opened a primary care centre which has a library as well as the various clinics.

[dakyras]

Where's oaf when you need him, to tell you libraries aren't important?

[bunique]

Our library is awful, I suspect due to years of under-investment. Like rabid says, they need to move with the times!

[diddly-dee]

All my local libraries (run by Lancashire library service) are brilliant; the staff are helpful and friendly, the range of materials is comprehensive and far better than my University library - to the point that books and journals not available in the University library can be found in Lancashire libraries - and, if not, the cost of inter-library loan to get the material is only 60p compared to the Universitry library charging £2.00 an item. Not only that, and I guess this is a result of progressive management which perhaps is a road other local authorities haven't gone down, the library doesn't just provide books, computers, music and dvd's, but runs reading groups, parent and toddler story-telling groups, computer courses etc. etc.. It's a real community service that caters for everyone and the area would be far poorer for the loss of any libraries. As an aside, I remember the time about 10 years ago when a neighbouring local authority to me (Blackpool) announced, on the same day, that expense accounts for councillors were rising from £5k a year each to £9k a year per councillor, and that they were closing 5 libraries. Disgraceful.

[Greeny_Musicchild]

Our library is awful, I suspect due to years of under-investment. Like rabid says, they need to move with the times!

[lost]

Our library is awful, I suspect due to years of under-investment. Like rabid says, they need to move with the times!

[Katster]

To those people who are saying libraries need to move with the times, how exactly are they supposed to do this, with such a massive lack of funding??

I don't agree though. I think there's something quite lovely about the smell and atmosphere of a proper old fashioned library. The college library I work in is far too clinical for my liking, and the books are all too 'new'.

[worm]

Whether they are good or not is a question of relativity. I'm sure that those who have risen intellectually from a poor socio-economic background will praise libraries as a source of literature and knowledge. Those, like myself, who were brought up with a fairly extensive library in their house will be less charitable.

Libraries are such a broad thing. You have internet libraries, on-line research facilities, private libraries, university libraries, libraries containing original and rare editions, libraries of particular knowledge and so on. However, public libraries must be preserved for all as well as university libraries as these are the cornerstones of public education.

To paraphrase the unfound working class genius in Good Will Hunting on tearing apart the argument of a third year history major ''you can pick up that knowledge in any public library''.

[Katster]

Whether they are good or not is a question of relativity. I'm sure that those who have risen intellectually from a poor socio-economic background will praise libraries as a source of literature and knowledge. Those, like myself, who were brought up with a fairly extensive library in their house will be less charitable.

Libraries are such a broad thing. You have internet libraries, on-line research facilities, private libraries, university libraries, libraries containing original and rare editions, libraries of particular knowledge and so on. However, public libraries must be preserved for all as well as university libraries as these are the cornerstones of public education.

To paraphrase the unfound working class genius in Good Will Hunting on tearing apart the argument of a third year history major ''you can pick up that knowledge in any public library''.

[FunkyDenz]

Whether they are good or not is a question of relativity. I'm sure that those who have risen intellectually from a poor socio-economic background will praise libraries as a source of literature and knowledge. Those, like myself, who were brought up with a fairly extensive library in their house will be less charitable.

[sifi]

Are the authorities going to have a good old fashioned book burning of the old stock when they close? Think of the money that could be saved on Bonfire night.

[rexclark]

I can't remember the last time I was in a library but I'd have been lost as a kid without one and I'd hope kids today are still getting plenty of use out of them. I'm definately all for keeping them open.

[grumpyhack]

We've got such a low level of literacy in the UK compared to many countries that we need to do all we can to raise standards and promote reading and public libraries can play a big part. I think a key is getting children into books and reading at an early age and libraries can do a great job there. They can also provide facilities for adult learning classes and internet access for those who can't afford computers at home.

Long live libraries.

[feral chile]

Investment into Welsh Libraries

Welsh libraries enjoyed the biggest percentage increase in visitors and book issues in the UK last year.

Edited January 18, 2011 by feral chile

[llcoolphil]

I see Michael has got behind his local campaign.

Bless Him

Should we be campaigning to save our statutory library service….after all it's only one little shove off the statute book relieving all local authorities of the financial burden.

[grumpyhack]

Investment into Welsh Libraries

Education in general is a really big deal in the South Wales area, particularly in areas considered deprived.

kids start school at 3 in the Valleys, because they're considered disadvantaged.

It seems poverty can pay.

[dakyras]

Well I get paid to try to help people get out of poverty in the Valleys,