Prevent the closure of public libraries
Libraries offer computer access to the poor, give access to books to those unable to afford them, and provide education for all, regardless of social status.
They are inclusive of all, not just the 'white middle class'. They provide ways to learn about other cultures as well as our own, promoting understanding of foreign ways of life. They enable people to learn about subjects they may not have had the oppurtunity to study in the past. They provide a quiet place to study and read. They allow people to see the world in new ways.
Knowledge is power!
SAH
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246 comments
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Jeannie
commented
I agree with Anonymous, volunteers cannot "run" libraries. Yes, taking out books would help. The govt keep mentioning that less books are being borrowed. The "foot fall" is high because there are so many activities happening in libraries now. The next couple of years will be imperative to prove we mean business - libraries and staff stay for good!
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Anonymous
commented
The economic downturn will mean more people out of work therefore libraries will be even more essential to the community. I have worked in libraries and the idea that any volunteer can just walk into a library and run it is ridiculous! There is more to running a library than stamping books!! In addition the opening hours would be cut drastically unless you have an endless supply of volunteers. Consequently access to the library service would be restricted. Libraries are the centre of the community. We are always being told that literacy standards are falling surely it's obvious to anyone that libraries are one of the most essential centres of free education and knowledge have. I feel as strongly about saving libraries as I do about the NHS. Perhaps the public will realise what they have lost when it is too late!! Everyone should join their local library and take a few books out. If everyone in the country did that the government would have to listen!!
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Anonymous
commented
Reading is THE most important thing parents can do with their children to secure a good education and life long chance at wellbeing. It is the ONLY out of school activity for 16 year olds that is demonstrably linked to securing better jobs in later life. (Oxford University 2011) Public libraries are the only source of free reading we have. Far right dictators deny access to books and learning.
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Anonymous
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I', in agreement with comment made by Neil, Whilst not being that clever with info tecnology ie PC, love my books and been a library member since a child. Not everyone wants to be pushed towards a an ipad or kindle, there something reassuring about holding a book.An opportunity for learning for all.
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Neil McCart
commented
In one breath our dishonest politicians complain about falling literacy standards, and in the very next breath they close down Public Libraries. Our Libraries are both centres of learning and knowledge and a focal point for the whole community - well away from the nonsense of commercialism.
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Anonymous
commented
Having worked as a librarian for 37 1/2 years I am very much opposed to closing libraries. They should be seen as the hub of their local communities. Not everyone has transport or access to large city libraries, especially young mothers and elderly people. Libraries are also important for raising literacy levels. The reading habit started in childhood stays with you all your life.
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Anonymous
commented
It isn't just the poor that need computer access. Safe, affordable and secure use together with printing facilities are vital for those with just Internet phone connection or are without the wherewithal to cope with new fangled gadgets! There are also families for whatever reason have family members who cannot control their home Internet use or find the equipment easily sale able.
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Jeannie
commented
Talk is just talk, reading and books are power! We have to fight for what we believe in. Our libraries are the life blood of our communities, use it or lose it!
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graham
commented
dont close them
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Barry Rawlings
commented
If knowledge is power then closing libraries is removing power not only for citizens but also for the next generation.
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Mike Chaney
commented
Access to a public libary is as basic a need as access to medicalk care or education. The abandonment of libraries by cash-strapped councils is short-sighted and should be avoided.
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Sophie
commented
Public Libraries are more important than ever. Cutting them is simply illogical.
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Demelza
commented
Campaigners in Gloucestershire and Somerset have just won a high court victory against severe library cuts in both counties, but in gloucestershire at least, the council seem to be doing their damndest to go down the same destructive (and illegal) path, We cannot continue to fight this alone as camapaigners - Ed Vaizey and Jeremy Hunt need to do their duty and intervene.
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Jane
commented
Everyone needs a local library.
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Jeannie
commented
Yes, yes, yes but stating the obvious doesn't make it so !
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R Cartwright
commented
Libraries are vital because they are open and free for all to use - I feel really strongly that they must not be closed.
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GSO
commented
The libraries are of value in every context of our lives.
Better libraries, not closed libraries please :)
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A Lapworth
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Libraries are for everyone. An excellent resource. Keep them, as they are.
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Jeannie
commented
The councillors don't get very much in expenses and it must be better now we have a Chief Exec who is not paid more than the PM ! The idea is that the charitable organisation keeps the current staff but will that work in the long term? I certainly will not be doing any more volunteering in the library than I do now !
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Anonymous
commented
Time Cllrs had their exspenses cut Jeannie,If they contiue to pass their responsibilites over to the BIg Society and Eric Pickles Localism, the State will practically be redundant and worse still, who be be accountablefor Taxpayers monies.? I am glad I live in Wales, easier to keep an eye on our libraries etc As for chatitable organisation taking on more voluntarism,good luck to them,many are not geared up for more responsibilities.
