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
shared this idea
253 comments
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Anonymous
commented
If libraries were to be shared with other L/Authorities other departments ie "One Stop Shop" or any other office dept, would be innovative and save money. Not everybody wants a computor, or has the time, or can afford to run same. Everyone likes a choice.
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Jeannie
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Most people these days have computers at home or about their person, they don't need their local library to supply the need. Libraries are for everything, borrowing books, videos etc, computer use and meeting of groups, e.g. writing, book clubs etc. Let's celebrate libraries and grow with them. They are our future.
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Nathan Webb
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I sort of agree with closing them to be honest, however I think they should also open something smaller if this happens as a computer room.
Anything that is written in a book can be found on the internet, so to have a huge building for educational purposes when you can probably find everything you need in 1 little box seems daft in this day and age? I think it's time we cut some of the bigger more expensive to run libraries down into something worth the size. Last time I went in my library, the whole library was practically empty, other than the computer area which was particually busy.
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Jeannie
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If D is a real person then why is she/he commenting on this site? Why is she/he interested? I find the response amusing.
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[Deleted]
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D I like your angle. We need libraries even if it is only to try to educate folk that they are not lending 'less' books but they are lending 'fewer' books! then there is all the grammar that I get wrong myself!!
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D
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What the hell do the poor need libraries for ? They don't even send their children to school. There is little point in educating everyone...someone needs to clean streets, look after old people, make my morning coffee and fix my shoes.....Lets get rid of these wasteful buildings with lazy librarians that are open at hours that are so inconvienent that I can never even visit one. 'White + Other ' middle classes do not use libraries as they are far too busy working and paying taxes to even find time to visit one.
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Standing for whats RIGHT & JUST!
commented
Save the Libraries from the TORY Government and all the UNJUST people that come to POWER!
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Jeannie
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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dont close them
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Barry Rawlings
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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
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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
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Public Libraries are more important than ever. Cutting them is simply illogical.
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Demelza
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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.
