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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253 comments
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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
commented
Libraries are for everyone. An excellent resource. Keep them, as they are.
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Jeannie
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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.
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Jeannie
commented
They tell us no libraries will be closed and they hate the word "privatisation" and prefer "charitable organisation". Things will radically change over the next 10 years but they are only bothered about what happens NOW. They are hoping people will forget about it over the years when anything can happen !
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Anonymous
commented
Keep asking at all CLLr meetings and in the public participation time allocated,Jeannie, perhaps they can be be embarrased. Remind them of the unemployment figures and that it can happen to them. The public purse (taxpayers money) pay them at inflated prices, Have the Cllrs had cuts yet.?
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Jeannie
commented
I have asked about getting a rebate and there is always silence!
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Anonymous
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Libraries are full of information and knowledge, I am happy to pay my tax to keep them open. I am an avid reader all my life. When the proposed cuts happen does the Local Authority give you a rebate? Perhaps we should ask in future.I
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Janice
commented
The library is a place for quiet study, group study, and social networking. Also, information is a valuable resource and it is all there waiting to be discovered right there in the library for individual empowerment.
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Jeannie
commented
We all know that libraries are the best thing since sliced bread but how do we stop them being privatised?
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Conrad
commented
Reading is a quiet education, and great fun; and it should remain free.
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Anonymous
commented
Agree with comments. Hope Wales do not follow Englands example. Knowledge is power and used properly can be advantagous to all. Would be lost with out a good read.
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Rebecca Fielding
commented
the concept of even having to 'save' a library is a horrific thing to reconcile. sign this petition - our civilisation depends on it
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Nick
commented
A vital record of history and culture. If everything becomes digital then when computers go bust we will lose all that information, unless libraries keep the hard copies which are also much more enjoyable to read and study than images on a screen.
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Trevor Craig
commented
They are under threat across the UK and the political class are supine because they don't use them or understand how vital they are.
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Jeannie
commented
They talk in our area about Charitable Organisations which are to take over the libraries. Does this mean the poor volunteers have even more work to do? What will happen to the experienced, trained staff?
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Hazel Rothera
commented
In the current age of austerity it is even more crucial than ever that public libraries, which provide access to books, DVDs, quiet study/homework space for children, computers and the internet, and professional help finding information, to all regardless of income, continue to be open and accessible. Challenge local authorities to pool back-office services, work more efficiently, and hold down councillors' allowances and salaries before cutting these essential public spaces.
