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With 145 libraries shutting in the UK in the last ten years alone and many more facing closure, Anita Rani asked whether we were approaching the final chapter in the story of these beloved public spaces.
Anita discovered what a lifeline to the community some local libraries are and what some see as the detrimental effect their closure would have on Britain's cultural landscape.
According to some studies, more people visit libraries in this country than football matches or the cinema. But with the actual numbers of books being borrowed in sharp decline and growing availability of lowcost paperbacks in the high street and online, are libraries becoming redundant in this multimedia age?
More information:
BBC News: Library lending lists
What do you think? Do you still use your local library? Would it matter if it disappeared from your town all together? And where do you stand on library etiquette? What's the longest you've kept a book past it's return date? Share your views.
Comments
I think we still need libraries. As a student sometimes you have to look at extremely old and expensive books and if we don't have the facility available for us to use them at a library, then we would have problems with our course research etc.
Also if libraries shut then people would have to spend lots of money buying books they may only want to read once and never again, and they would have end up with useless books on their shelves. It may also affect low income families because joining the library is free, they can borrow books, surf the internet and browse papers, all without having to fork out money to pay for them, thereby giving them more money to spend on buying food and keeping their house warm.
Libraries are a great way for people coming together and sharing views about a particular book with others who have read it and enjoyed it. They may be strangers to them but it is a good way to meet new people and to socialise with others you probably wouldn't elsewhere.
Finally adults with young children can encourage their children to read and see books as enjoyable and fun. Today libraries offer such a wide range of books, DVD's, music etc. By having a local library it can be seen to be a treat to visit and by learning to look at books when they're young and having stories read to them, they broaden their vocabulary and language, even at a young age and in some cases, they can start to read even before they go to school.
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Hi - Just saw your news story on Libraries and wanted to let you know of a project that is starting next week 20th Feb in Portsmouth Central Library.
It's called Visual Libraries and for the first time people are actually encouraged to sign out a visual library book and create their response to various themes.
They can draw, write, put in photos etc.
The idea behind it is to get more people using the library in different ways.
Details below.
Cheers
Claire Sambrook
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VISUAL LIBRARIES - Leave your Mark.
A collaborative, visual project which encourages you to sign out a Visual Library Book and ‘Leave Your Mark’.
A Visual Library Book is whatever you want it to be, a sketchbook, a journal, a diary, a notepad.
You can ‘Leave Your Mark’ in whatever way you want, ranging from drawing, writing, sewing, adding photographs, markings, printing and sticking. How you make your marks is entirely up to you. All we ask is that you have fun with the different themes.
45 Visual Library Books have been placed in Portsmouth Central Library and each has its own theme ranging from; Portsmouth, My City, When I Open My Eyes, Whilst I Was Waiting, Love, What’s in My Pocket and Memories. The intention is for you to feel free to explore the Visual Library Books and choose a theme that you like.
In collaboration with:
COPIC, Rhodia, Seawhite of Brighton, Portsmouth City Council and the University of Portsmouth.
To view the pages of the project as they develop from people all over the city.
http://www.visuallibraries.com/
For Further Details: claire.sambrook@port.ac.uk
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I must admit after watching your report on libraries i have decided to go and register for my local one!
As a child i used to love going to the library. Come home with a stack of new books to read was so exciting. Even as i grew into a teenager i still used my library and as a university student more so.
I'am guilty of neglecting my local library as i've grown up, so perhaps if we wish to save them we should all make the effort and register?
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As a teacher in a deprived area of England I think libraries are so important. A lot of parents can't afford to buy their children books, the library is a fantastic way of these children accessing literature and getting them excited about book. We must not get rid of libraries.
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Unless i missed it, no one seemed to mention the use of the computers in library`s.
Before i moved in with my partner i had no internet at my dads and i frequently used the computer at my local library (Highams Park) London
Regards
Dawn Cooper
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I'm ashamed of myself for not using my local library more often. They're an invaluable resource which sadly are under-utilised because of the amount of information available on the internet. However, I think perhaps with the credit crunch people will go back as buying books gets expensive!
I also prefer reading from the page than the screen if there is a lot to read.
Jonathan, Woking.
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Why not have a library at railway station, but have the opening hours to suit commuters? That why they can pick up books to read on the trains to and from work.
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I visit the local library approximately every other week with my three year old daughter. She loves choosing her books and having them repeated and repeated until its time to change them for new ones. Ofcourse the process then repeats itself.
Not only do we use the library for books, free internet access is fabulous and allows us to sit together, surfing such websites as CBeebies.
Also, working with adults with learning difficulties the library is a great community setting to assist in the teaching of life skills, borrowing and returning and as a social activity.
It was be a tremendous shame to loose our libraries and a great loss to our young learners who thrive in their environment.
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I work for Sheffield Libraries and it is facing cuts and budget reduction constantly. This in turn affects what we can buy and what services can be provided. It is such a shame that Libraries no longer seem to be an important part of the Council when so many people depend on us for many different reasons.
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I think libraries are still an essential part of the community for a variety of reasons. I am undertaking a part time uni course and can't fault my local library for obtaining some of the most obscure books in the world!
However, libraries need to adapt to the modern time (they are in some respects - internet access etc etc), but more so in terms of their opening hours.
Certainly my local library is not user friendly for those that work mon-fri 9-5.
Interesting comment from Lynda LePlant...she forgot to mention that authors DO get money whenever one of their books is lent out from a library!
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Libraries are multi-functional. They are places of leisure, study, entertainment, social centres, community etc etc. They should therefore be open at times when the public are at leisure. Most libraries close Sat afternoon and Sunday. When I lived in Hong Kong, the libraries were most crowded on Sundays. They were full of school kids doing homework, often the only quiet place they could find when their own homes were so crowded and noisy. They were also used by people at leisure on Sunday afternoons - reading and meeting others. These days, Sundays would be great for libraries to be open - but only if it was combined with other leisure activities eg book club, art group, interest groups, talks etc. People don't use libraries because they are open when they are at work, and closed when they are not. A library is not just a place to borrow books!
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The real shame on the Wirral is not the lack of use of the libraries but the fact that the council needs to balance the books at the cost of the libraries and youth facilities.
I use the library particularly for research where I cant afford £60-00 for a book for a few hours use.
Ray Rowland
Birkenhead
The Wirral
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I would have more faith in libraries if they were not so heavily censored and if that censorship was based on evidence instead of the presumed prejudices of Mrs Grundy.
Most censorship is invisible because a book or magazine missing from the shelves is invisible. If people knew what was being done in their name they would be horrified.
There are thousands of censors in the UK, every library, every council, every police officer, parcel carriers, magazine distributors, ofcom, BBC, ITV, the list goes on and on. There is not a single official body responsible for stopping unnecessary censorship.
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Our local library service here in Scotland also has Family History Sections in some where they have records of local births, marriages and deaths which you can check for free if you are researching your family
tree.
Diane Causer
Midlothian, Scotland
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I have huge weight on my shoulder and its sort of due to my local libary. The thing is I love libraries and i am a member of two different ones...kids and I go all the time and read a lot and feel very cool about it...Apart from the fact that once I didnt return pile of books, left on my 2 months summer hol. asked my husbund who stayed at home to return them but he forgot...so when i got back I took them stright to library and apologised and explained but they would not drop the fine (£50) and I could not pay it! So now I avoid that library by a mile and just go to the other one but i feel so bad about it as I absolutely loved it. Its a shame that they are sometimes so rigid and strict...
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I am a teacher and think that libraries should be open on a Sunday as a place where families can go to spend time together and would encourage the children to spend more time there!
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Why do you keep reinforcing the idea of libraries being scary, silent places?? They aren't any more.
We sing songs at storytime and have vibrant discussions at our book group sessions over a cup of tea.
Libraries are still valuable places especially at this time of recession. You can borrow books for free (and fines stop at £5 per item!) You can borrow CDs and DVDs for a small charge. You can use the Internet and computer services for free...and chat to the staff who are very friendly.
Please don't paint us as ogres in pleated skirts and horn-rimmed specs!!
Jenny Main, Essex
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Did anyone notice the placard with the mispelt word Library's. James Martin
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My dad borrowed a Harry Houdini book from the library and when he came to return it he couldn't find it anywhere - it just disappeared! 12 years later he found it on the bookshelf and he took it back to the library. I think he paid the £12 fee!
Merryn - Bristol
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I have been a member of my library since I was a teenager over 20 years. I have always used it, first for school books and all the teen fiction. Then for the computer at the library while still borrowing fiction books.
Then as time went on I continued reading and also I did part time studying and the library got me all my studying books so I did not have to pay out alot of money on top of my studying fees.
Now I still go to my library at least once a week and I remember the names of all the librarians over the years and they take the time to know me and my taste in books. I have great respect for them and the job they do. If it wasnt for the library I would not have kept up my love of reading. As I have not got the money to buy the books that I like and I tend to read so many that they would be too costly in the long run.
Long may my library be open.....well done Lynn and Kevin (my librarians)!
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I use the library tons and tons and love it (as do my children 11 & 14) for books and talking books, I'm not wanting to see all these new things (gigs and things).
I want books, I want to read them, cannot pay for them, but above all do not want to store them.
Our library is fantastic (Highland Council) and so helpful - keep the libraries, they're essential and wonderful.
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I defiantly think we need Libraries, maybe a new type of libraries where we can take them out from an online source, and we simply post them back when we have finished, for students like me who need to get hold of books which can be very hard to get hold of this would be so helpful!!
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Congrats on your show! We need libraries for sure but instead of closing them why don't they start including a cafe' area which would attract more people of all ages to go there and with the profits contribute to the financial upkeeping of them.
FORTUNATO
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This is not directly to do with libraries, but a comment from Christine about them being "Church like". I attend a thriving vibrant, often noisy, church full of children and young people. Perhaps the perception of churches needs to be changed as well as libraries. You would be very welcome to see our exciting church.
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Libraries: Someone should do a poll amongst those who are at the top of their chosen profession. I think it would demonstrate why libraries need to be protected.
Libraries are the route to knowledge and the help that trained librarians can give in the search for information is frankly amazing. If we close libraries will be losing the skills of the librarians as well.
The computerised searches which are available now are brilliant and if you get stuck staff are so helpful.
Schools need to link up more with their local library resources. These two sources of learning should work hand in hand as they compliment each other.
Christine Coles
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I work in a busy town centre library The image that many people have of libraries is outdated - in the 20 odd years I've worked there I've never shushed anybody!
We have over 20 public access pcs - which are free to use, music cds, dvds, spoken word cds, coffee machine, childrens activities and rhyme time sessions. We have had music events featuring an African drummer, and we've had the local Motley Morris Men in performing.
On the point of books accruing thousands of pounds worth of fines - this doesn't happen. There is a daily charge to a maximum fee of £6.00 plus postage costs for overdue notices. Once this maximum is reached the debt is handed over to Stock Recovery. We are far more interested in getting our books back than taking money from people!
Please, please support your local library - use it, don't lose it!!
Thank you :)
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Hi just heard about your topic on libraries. I think that as the recession bites that they will be more wanted and needed. I use mine all the time and couldnt afford to buy the number of books that I read.
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You mentioned on the show, Wirral libaries. We are hoping our local library does not receive votes for closure tonight! It is a vital community resource for young and old where people can borrow book, play with friends, use the computer and do homework! Long live libaries!!
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We always use our library, My children have all been very keen readers and still do as adults, My youngest son (8yrs) loves to read and I couldn't possibly buy the books he gets through. Our local library also has computers, arts and crafts mornings and in the summer they have a big read competition. Libraries have lots of local information about clubs etc.. and of course lots have CDs, films and magazines. We all love going to the library!!
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I am embarrassed to say that I have not used libraries since I have been at university. However, I now have a son of 9 months whom I would like to encourage to read. I have signed us both up and we go about once a fortnight. I am so glad I did it. Although I joined primarily for my son's benefit, I now read a lot more (watch TV rarely now). If you are not a member of a library, join now; you will be pleased at what free resources you have missed out on!!
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Part of the decline of libraries can be attributed to money, mainly the fact that libraries don't earn much. These days a lot of local governments are run more like businesses, and as Libraries are primarily a service (fines don't buy a lot of books!), their budget is very often the first to get slashed. This often means either laying off the most expensive, qualified staff, closing smaller community libraries, or by cutting the 'book budget'. Anita mentioned that libraries should have more choice, how will they buy all those extra items if they havn't got any money? Libraries can and should have a future, but without adapting and without the backing of local councils their numbers and quality will just get worse.
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In todays current finacial climate, with many people being made redundant, all of the libraries will provide all the facilities and internet access to the individual to assist them to gain employment again.
4 years ago I was made redundant and spent every day at the library not only looking for employment but also for leisure reading and music.
Many people will miss out on these facilities and the assistance should our libraries be closed.
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Hi,
Having just returned home from an exceptionally busy day as a librarian in a Black Country reference library, it constantly amazes me how local government in general consistently fails to see the potential of these great institutions. In this time of the credit crunch and people losing their jobs, we have careers advisors available two days every week and are constantly running courses to help people update their computer skills. We have thirty public access computers in our Central Library alone - with one dedicated to job searching and use for those starting up in business. Our library also has a large range of book groups, cradle clubs, story sessions and, yes, we have gigs at our library too!
If councils realised the huge resource they had at their disposal, they would be expanding libraries and using them as places for training and getting people back into work, not closing them or educing their opening hours, and worrying about whether more books were borrowed this year than last - libraries are about so much more than that!
Jane
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Libraries are still vibrant useful places. The best place to introduce small kids to books, whereas buying something new every week (which they need) would be very expensive, books can be read to death from the library (and I speak as a book buyer!)
Now my kids are grown, I borrow maps for holidays, books for a good read, but most of all, reference books for an aspiring historical novelist - I would be bankrupt if I had to buyeverything!! Also out of print books for reference can be prohibitively expensives; one I wanted to buy would have cost me £100+. I ordered if from the library for a £1, even though it had to come from somewhere else!! So hooray to libraries for keeping copies of obscure or out of print books, particularly relating to local history that would never see the light of day today!
Our local library has a cafe and lots of internet access - all power to its elbow, as well as use of meeting rooms. I highly approve of Lancaster's imaginative use - the 'public library' has become so much more than a place to borrow books and DVDs - it is an important public space too. Ours holds art exhibitions too.... something for everyone!
Long live libraries!
Dil
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I've been a member of my local library since early childhood, and would encourage anyone who hasn't visited in a while to check out their library and see what facilities are on offer - not just books these days!
Ass well as being an invaluable resource for study, I think it's also a good place to try out authors I haven't previously read - I've often then gone on to read, and buy, books by authors that I've first come across by browsing the library shelves.
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I think local libraries are the lifeblood of an area. Its not just used for borrowing books there are also DVDs and CDs at really low rates. Also for some people the library is a meeting place local clubs meet there, and it is a mine of information for local events. The list is endless and I certainly use the library every week
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I am a big fan of libraries, as are my children who have been going along regularly since they were babies, through the "Bounce and Rhyme time" sessions. They both love books and borrowing has enabled them to extend their book experience and enjoyment. We also borrow DVDs and CDs for a very nominal charge.
Our local library was refurbished about 2 years ago and is a really nice place to go. You can sit and have a coffee while you read, you can listen to music, you can use the free internet facilities and there is no "shush" policy. In fact it is a happy vibrant and lovely place to go. I must say my experience of all the libraries I have visited in the Kent area are pleasant and certainly not stuffy and churchlike. I would be sad to see libraries disappear from our towns and villages.
To hear Councils saying they have difficult choices to make about how they spend their resources is saddening. Whilst I appreciate that these decisions must be taken, surely there are other things of less importance that should go first. Access to information is as relevant to todays society as ever, but peoples perceptions of libraries needs to be addressed.
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My children, aged 6 and 4 love our local library. They are always excited when we go, they run in, take their shoes and coats off and read books on the beanbags in the childrens area. They are kept busy while I look for the books I need. (I'm a student!) It isn't the most modern library in the world, but is warm. inviting and familiar, which is important to the children. It would be a tradigy to loose and with many of the schools in the South closing, surely we can't loose our libraries too? What will be left?
Jen, Swanage
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Our library in Marston Green is vital to the life of the village. Helen and Elaine are
enthusiastic and innovative and in addition to lending books, regularly host coffee mornings, baking cakes themselves, and they raise huge amounts for various charities. These coffee mornings are very well supported and serve as a social event for many elderly people. At the latter part of last year they spent many months working on a history of the village, involving the community, and the results of all this work were on display,generating many visitors. Children are encouraged o visit and special readings are held for them. The village would be a poorer place without our libarary.
Linda Poulson
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I use the local library weekly, as i suffer from a great deal of pain i am able to get talking books and these have proved to be a life saver. If the library was closed people like me would be unable to get books and tapes. The library is my life line to outside i meet new people there and have made some wonderful friends.
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Sorry I had so much to praise my local library I joined it at the age of 7 and I revised for exams as it was the only place with peace and quiet as I am the eldest of 8 children! So from experience I know they are needed
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Libraries are essential to communities and schools - to save money how about getting rid of some of the excess 'fat cat' managers councils seem to have started employing.
Ah but then turkeys never vote for christmas do they? So they'll never vote to get id of themselves.
Should be fun when there is nothing left but a cabal of managers.....
no services, no service at all - just the managers presiding over their bonuses.
Oh! wait - the banks are doing that already.....
Moi cynical????
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East Sussex County Council closed the Old Town Library in Eastbourne. My mum (all about 70 years old) and her friends promptly reopened it. They asked for donations of books and were given 8500! The library is now run entirely by volunteers, most of whom are pensioners and is a registered charity. The oldest volunteer was in his 90s. lt is widely used by school children, students and families as well as older people. School children have found that the volunteers have the time to help with homework as well as being very useful history resources! The library is a wonderful example of community power in action and shows that you are never too old to get something done...
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Hi, I think a few key points missing from Anita Rani's review.....
1] Bookshops only focus on current best sellers. Anything slightly more out of the norm/best seller but even a year old! is taken off the shop floor (it is a business after all!). Yes you can order, but chicken and egg. If you haven't come across the author/book outside a bookshop (eg: library!) you wouldn't know about it to order it!
2] Libraries are cost effective - I can pickup a book and read it at NO cost. Why would i then pay even £5 for a book that i may not like? And in reality, i borrow 5 books at a time - most can't afford to spend £25 every month on books in ANY economic climate! What about mums, pensioners and kids - if i (no kids, good job) can't afford it how can they? I got into books by being taken to libraries - I read a book a day in my early teens - my parent's entire income would have gone up in smoke - thank god for libraries!
3] Bookshops don't promote variety - they would rather stock 50 copies of Davinci Code rather than 50 copies of various titles in their front of shop. Why not 1 copy of Davinci code and keep the stock in the backrooms Argos style? That way more variety? so currently, variety only in libraries.
3] Libraries are environmentally friendly - i thought we were supposed to promote recycling and sharing (libraries!) and not just individual retail purchases (lets face it, do we actually swap 5 books a month from friends?)
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I recently went on a study trip to Barcelona, a city where they are introducing new libraries all over the city to serve the local communities there. They are dynamic civic centres that encourage a community to come together, offering high quality facilities to everyone.
If one city is adding more libraries, why are we closing them nationally? They need a facelift, and they need to become more appealing to everyone. They should reach out to their communities as social, educational, helpful and enjoyable places, and they need to strip away their image of dark, dusty, silent places where nobody really wants to go.
As a student, i would find it much more difficult to study and learn without my university library. Attitudes towards reading and learning could very easily be altered if the image and the accessibility of services was changed.
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hi guys
I have worked in libraries for a number of years and tommorow iam going to a meeting in which we will discuss how to get more people to come in to Libraries.
So guys can you give me any ideas?
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If anyone doubts how important libraries are, they should read the speech made by Barrack Obama to the American Library Association annual conference in Chicago 2005. READ IT! His speech is as relevant to this country as it was and still is to America.
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I think that libraries still play an important role in the local communities, and an education for children
I have a twelve month old girl who loves books, but as with all children, she gets bored with them after a few weeks, so they need renewing. I go to the library every three weeks and get her another six books, which if I bought them, would cost me about £30-£40 a time. In the current economic climate this is just not feasable.
I myself like the library as I can go in and try different books on a particular subject, find one I like and then go and buy that one.
They form a valuable part of communities and all our educations.
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My teenage daughter is a voracious reader. I would be bankrupt if I bought every book she wanted to read. She currently has a stack of books as high as her bed out from the library. She can take up to 20 books for 3 weeks and has the choice of renewing them up to 8 times (although its rare that she even has to renew them once.) The library is a key part of our local community. She would be heartbroken to lose it and to be honest I would miss it almost as much.
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We as a family of four use our library as much as possible, last year we set a task to try to "read our council tax in books", we managed about £870 worth of material including audio and childrens books; which I am sure you will agree is a substantial chunk. If there is a long waiting list for a book then we will still buy it ourselves. We can order any books, audio books or CD's free of charge in our area, (Wolverhampton)so people would be mad not to make good use of their local library.
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Hi I think we do still need libraries, but maybe an overhall of the image would be best. One local library Lobley Hill has closed recently and was open for such a long time. It's now a foster carer office. I remeber pestering my mam to let me join going home from school so I could read the Chronicles of Narnia. The two local libraries are Whickham and Dunston or a bit further afield is the main library in Gateshead. The thing is they close half day on a Saturday - I think Dunston is open all day though but unless I'm off work due to being at work full time I'm unable to go. More recently I've reserved a book (for £1.20) about the Romanov Jewels by Prince Micheal of Greece because on Amazon it's £40 - £45. I am researching Red Diamonds too. I'm just waiting for it to be obtained for me. I am trying to write a book and want to find information about Russian jewellry especially belonging to the Romanov's and Russian Royal family history. I didn't know if there was anywhere I could borrow dvd documentaries about the Romanov's? I can't afford to buy loads of books especially at £40 each so I thought it would be best to borrow to have a look. Getting back to the image of libraries - how about the library/cafe bar - maybe Pret a manger coffee bar and library all rolled into one - instead of buying a book borrow instead. it gets you out and about for at least a coffee without the expense, and more accesable for those who work full time. Maybe later hours once a week instead of closing at 4.30 pm.
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Libraries are a fantastic FREE resource and have changed over the years to try and attract a wider range of users. O.k. you may be able to pick up a cheap paperback in your local supermarket but the range is limited. Libraries allow you to select from a huge range of books and it costs nothing to join them. The new library in Swansea is fantastic. It is a bright vibrant place and is a really exciting place to go as there is always something going on. Gone is the schhh and in is the grin (well I can't stop smiling when I go there). O.k. I may be biased as I am a librarian but everyone should be using their local library as it is such a great free resource that opens up much more than the world of books. Most libraries offer CDs, DVD's, Internet access, events, exhibitions, training courses and most importantly friendly staff that will help you get the best from a truly amazing free service.
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Lack of emphasis on the 3Rs in schools and increased use of blogs and sites on computers, such as Facebook etc., together with common use of texting on phones, must have had an influence on the demise of libraries and reading skills. My mother was virtually housebound for about 4 years, mostly looking after my father, and although she loved reading she had little time for that. After she was widowed she rediscovered the pleasure of 'going to the library' for her books which has given her the added boost of regular exercise and she is now 86. I too use our local library and read an average of 5 books per month, as well as the daily and weekend papers. My greatest pleasure before I retired was to take a supply of books on holiday - now I read every day. Hopefully schools will place more emphasis on reading and the use of libraries, especially as the purchase of books is likely to be an unaffordable luxury in the current economic situation.
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Our Library in Newbury is friendly innovative and host lively evenings such as an incredibly funny evening with Giles Brandreth - It is far from the stuffy old fashioned idea of a victorian reading library that you can possibly get.
Patzie
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I like many other Library staff across the country has never shushed anybody. I cant believe Christines comment about Libraries been outdated and church like, I wonder when she last visited one. It drives Library staff mad the way the media portrays us as scary old women . Libraries are getting busier all the time but unfortunately the councils dont seem to recognise our worth. I am glad the one show has highlighted our cause, hopefully now people will be inspired to visit and see that we offer modern facilities in a friendly environment, where silence please has not been used for at least 30 years.
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1. Books from the supermarket? Only if you want the top ten thrillers and chick-lit ( nothing against them per se) - I want more choice!
2. I can't afford to buy everything I want or need to read - can you?
3. It's an awful long time since silence was the rule in libraries - they are friendly, welcoming places where you can have a coffee while reading the daily paper or waiting for your bus or whatever else is on your timetable.
4. You can try different authors or genres without having to pay for something you might not like - just take it back and try something else.
Honestly people - wake up to what's happening! Don't sit back and let those who know nothing take away a national treasure which is open to everyone.
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I think it is criminal wanting to close libraries. It is a place of learning, of research, and many functional events for the local population to enjoy. It is where my writing group meets regularly, where the elderly have many enjoyable functions laid on for them. It is where you can have free access to the Internet, to learn to use computers, and even borrow books on virtually any subject one can imagine. Music, DVDs available to hire.
Council tax pays for all this, and it is a benefit to everybody irrespective of age or race.
Our libraries are hives of activity and places of inspiration.
Keep them! They ARE needed!
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I use my local libraries weekly. I would miss it terribly if I could not go in and browse my way through books, borrow and read books.
I read many books that I wouldn't want to own, much less have the money to buy or space to store. I would not have thought to look up and buy online or in bookshops some of the novels I have found via browsing in libraries. I often take a chance on a library book that I would not have tried had I had to purchase it.
I love the internet, and am able to have access to it at home. Today's equivalent of my family when I was growing up would not have the internet at home, but can in most libraries. We could not have afforded to buy lots of books.
My nuclear family is full of readers who have always revelled in the breadth possible via local libraries. We still love to discuss what we read, so I count myself lucky to have had decent libraries throughout my life. Libraries always have helped me to educate and entertain myself without costing me financially. I'd be a different person without them.
I would hate to find even more libraries closing and others not benefiting as I have.
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A few reasons why everyone should become a library card holder:
1/Free internet access
2/Insanely cheap DVD and CD rental
3/Free access to the greatest minds of all time.
Ask most people to list their dream jobs and the chances are that somewhere in the top five would be 'author.' A library is as necessary to anyone with the intention to make this dream a reality as rehearsal time is to a would-be singer or dancer.
You cannot write unless you read. If you have enough cash to buy all the books you need to read to become a decent author then you probably already have a very exciting and well-paid job and really don't have the time to write. For the rest of us, our library cards are gold dust.
You can go into a library and pick up any book you like for free, take it home, read it, bring it back and pick up another free book. None of this costs a penny.
Once you can read, every book in the library is yours. It doesn't matter what you look like, sound like, where you went to school or how much money you do or don't have. If you have a library card, you get to dictate how much of the universe is open to you.
Go along once. Just once. Just do it. Bet you get hooked too.
:)
WriterBee
http://frombrain2bookshelf.blogspot.com
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I visit my library at least once a week and would not be without it. Even though it is only 20 years old, it is shortly to be closed for about a year in order to be modernised. I fear that this will make it more of an entertainment centre than a library - but that is progress for you. I cannot see the connection between a pop concert and libraries - are the participants really going to rush to the book stacks once the last notes die away? Why not hold the music event in any largish space? The fact that more people come into a building which is called a library has very little to do with whether it is actually used as a library.
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libraries are magical places and everyone should look at the BBC4 programme from 21.00 Sunday, Michael Rosen: Just Read. The passion and effectiveness of books and reading them transformed the lives of local families. If Cheshire Council want to benefit their local residents they should take a leaf out of this programme. Budget value-for-money can produce fantastic returns for the whole Community if investments are made in developing the service. The One Show should consider a wider application of the Michael Rosen type project!
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Libraries are great. I would be lost if my local library closed. I read about two books per week which would cost a lot of money if I had to buy them.
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I was introduced to libraries at the age of 5 by my late father. "here son is the working mans means of improvement". After leaving school at14.with the help of my local library I persude my love of history and English literature .At the age of 67 I passed a University access course. Although I am computer literate I still find my local library an invaluable help and the best value I get from my council tax.
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I would HATE to lose my library. I borrow 10 books (the maximum) every 3 weeks, and it allows me to read a wide variety of books that I could never afford to buy. It also means that if I am not enjoying a book, I can return it without reading it to the end - would I do that if I had bought it?
I use the library for reference and local information, as well as borrowing books, DVDs and CDs. I would happily pay a subscription fee in order to keep my precious library open, even though my Council Tax has increased by about twice the rate of inflation for the last ten years, so they should have enough of my money to pay to keep it open.
I do buy books too, but usually after reading them from the library, and knowing that I want to own that book. Please keep campaigning for people like me.
Thank you.
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As a member of the support staff of West Sussex County Council Library Service, based at East Grinstead, it was with dismay I just watched your feature on possible Public Library closures.
I have worked in the Public Library system for a total of 22 years and have watched Public Libraries in my area evolve from traditional austere and hushed establishments to become busy, forward-thinking and even more vital to the community.
Gone are the days when all one could borrow were books or long-playing records. Now most libraries are centres where local residents can borrow books, DVDs, CDs, audio books, computer games as well as using public access internet computers for browsing, study, work and IT education.
There are coffee shops, toddler groups, book clubs, holiday activities for children and evening events for adults.
Local government information is readily available, so that residents can find out anything, from how to get a street lamp fixed to finding out the opening times of the local swimming pool.
Tourist information is available for town visitors and for those who live locally and wish to explore.
Every library I know is a hub of its local community, a place where anyone can visit and spend time, where knowledge is there just waiting to be discovered.
There is much emphasis on the role of Public Libraries in the lives of children, yet we must not forget the older generations.
Yes, it is important to encourage our children to grow up using Public Libraries but with an increasingly large retired population the need for libraries has become even more important as places of recreation for those who are on low incomes and whose primary source of entertainment may be large print books or audio books, and who may have little contact with people apart from those they see in their local library.
Where else can they spend time just browsing, or sitting quietly, or playing the occasional game of chess or even having a quiet doze, without being moved on?
If we lose our Public Libraries our communities will suffer beyond measure. There is no other public-access establishment that offers the local townspeople such a wealth of knowledge, recreation, entertainment and sense of belonging.
To lose our Public Libraries would be devastating and I can only think that the closures are being considered by people who are not frequent library users and who have no understanding of how important Public Libraries are to each and every community they serve.
In my local library we often have in excess of one thousand customers per day. How can anyone think we do not need Public Libraries?
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Great report on libraries.
So, more people use libraries than go to football matches? So how much council tax money goes on police football matches, and how much on libraries?
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My idea of the day is:
If local authorities can not afford to support libraries and post offices are being closed why not move the postoffice into the library?
They would then both benefit from reduced overheads and would be mutually beneficial in terms of community service and staffing levels. Opening hours could also possibly be extended. Libraries are a vital resourse and should be kept open if at all possible.
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I have been using my local library for over 20years. As i am now a pensioner, who enjoys reading, i can't afford to buy books, so the library is invaluable to me. We definately still need libraries. I would certainly be lost without them.
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At the age of 76 it disturbs me that you have ignored the benefits of libraries for the Golden Oldies!! It is good that the youth are encouraged to use libraries for a variety of things but it is not all about the modern generations
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My family would be devastated if our libraries were to close. The three of us can have half a dozen each out at one time or more if a new book by a favourite author turns up. As well as going into the library in our town we also visit the library in another local village when we shop there one day a week. And when we go to stay with another member of our family we make a beeline for their local library where they will probably have a different selection of books to the ones at home.
You can tell reading is one of the main hobbies in our family.
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I am a single mum of three children aged 9,6 and 4 all of my children have been registered at the library from being born.
All of my children are avid readers and we visit our local library every saturday morning and usually return with a minimum of 4 books each myself included.
Our library is a very friendly place with toys and colouring for the children, during the holidays they have creative activities which are always well attended!
We love reading in our house and if the libraries were to close it would be awful as i would definatly not be able to afford to buy the amount of books my children read.
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Great story about Libraries,has anyone mentioned Mobile Libraries and the wounderful service they provide? Not forgetting also the home delivery service too!.
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Very interested in your article about libraries. Swansea has a new library opened last year. It is the best I've ever come across. Books in the fiction section are set out in genre eg crime, historic novels, family saga. A wonderful children's section, can't wait to take the grandson on his visit at Easter. Upstairs in the non fiction section there are plenty of newspapers and magazines with comfortable seating areas overlooking Swansea Bay to the Mumbles. And then when you've finished in the library there is a great cafe to enjoy a coffee. Books can be signed out electronically and returned in the same way, no queing. I can order and renew books on line. Best of all the library is open on Sundays, it was full last Sunday. Swansea really deserve praise for getting their library so right - well done.
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Libraries are important in the community especially for people on low incomes who cannot afford the full price. They also offer other valuable services.
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Public libraries are a necessity in the modern age. It is alright to say we have the internet and other such gadgets. But, to get a book, sit down and have a good read is luxury indeed. Remember you cannot always take your electronic gadget with you.
They are also a meeiting point for the community as a whole, a source of local knowledge. on a wider scale they encourage reeding for pleasure and education.
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I would be lost without my library. I recently went to a charity shop and the books were so expensive. I check out all the new titles in the bookshops then order them from the library. it costs 60p and you get a lovely new book! How many books do you re-read? if you are anything like me not many.
My son has been a member of the library since he was a baby. Now he tends to use this facility when he is doing a school project but it's a lot easier using many sources rather than just relying on the internet. My reading is very varied as a book always catches my eye when I visit.
Librarians.... you have never met a nicer bunch of happy,knowledgable but sadly underpaid workers.
And no I am not one!
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Of course we still need libraries. They should be a place of knowledge and learning, not a place for wannabe pop music performers as suggested on the failing One Show.
You can buy a cheap novel at Asda for under a fiver, but many reference and non-fiction books cost over £20 and would otherwise be unavailable to the average citizen if they didn't have access to libraries.
Yes, our society is broken, and greed and dumbed-down education is the order of the day, but once we lose our library service then the barbarians will have won !
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The British lending library system is the best in the world. Only an idiotic and ignorant council or government would even consider closing down libraries or reducing the service.
Sadly, in many areas that is what Britain has today. Plus a government that is wrecking the country in so many ways.
At least preserve the library sytem as a foundation for learning, especially as British educational standards are now so low !
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I feel very strongly about this - libraries are places where you could go to and be assured that at least you could get a bit of peace and quiet whilst you contemplated all the wealth of knowledge and experience available. Now they have to be a 'business' and be 'trendy' and places that you should not be affraid of..!! What is going on..??!! Are we so clever now that we don't need libraries.? Oh yes of course, all information is now available in these microchip gods the computer - or is it.? It is easy to find dependable information in a library - try that on a computer with endless search engines and fruitless research..!! Fortunately, not all local councils are as short sighted as the one on today's show. It appears mine has just about got the balance right and the library I go to is efficient,modern and staffed with excellent, well informed staff and a great slection of all things to entertain and inform. Long may it be so - libraries are not a business, they are an essential way of life - more now than ever. They have been hard won over the years - we cannot let them go now.
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In Ealing, there so little investment back into books that it is a drawl to find an up to date book and if you keep cutting your spending each year people will vote with their feet.,
There is very little enterprise to reach out and do something different to market libraries, with the staff happy to let things drift with a product that is decline.
I love books but how many times can you expect to look on the shelves only to turn round and purchase the book.
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In these difficult times I think Libraries are ever more important so that everyone from every level of society can have access to books, computers, DVD's etc. Whilst books are a lot cheaper these days often it comes out in Hardback 1st and these can still be expensive. Due to my own current financial situation even books are a luxury. If I cannot find it in my own Library I can order it from within the County or even across the country for only £1. DVD's are also much cheaper - £2.50 a week as these days DVD/video shops are getting even rarer.
In more rural areas we have mobile libraries and Library Access Points to give access to all where static Libraries may not be as financially viable.
Libraries are also great for Non Fiction books such as text books which are particularly costly for students to buy when in some cases they may only need to use it for limited information.
And yes I will admit I have a vested interest here in that I am a Library Assistant myself but within Cambridgeshire I have seen an increase in membership and the computers are always full. It's nice to see so many children and families using it and being able to take out so many different books on a regular basis and to get involved with storytime etc.
And yes we are underpaid for the important work we do!!!
Reading can appear to be in decline with younger people these days due to TV, computers etc so we need to do everything we can to encourage use of the libraries and access to books etc for all.
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I live in a close and caring community. Three generations of our family use the local library as well as my children's school. It is a source of enjoyment and information. We know the librarians by name, they visit the school and the school has regular visits to the library. Many of the the families in our area would not have access to books if they had to travel further afield. Why are we being deprived of this free service when our council have shown that they cannot balance their books? Surely Parliament should keep a closer eye on this!
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Some years ago our library was up for closure,Maxime our head librarian set up a friends of the library,and I was one of them.we have run coffee mornings in the library, Fetes,Quisies,A book reading club,Toddlers corner,made and maintained a garden at the side of the library which all the village use.money has been raised tohelp pay for modenising the building andmaking the library the hub of the village that it is now.all thanks to maxime and her staff,and the public who backed them,so if you want to save your library get out there and do something about it,Frimley Green is not all about darts!
Phyll S
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From the moment I discovered my local library as an 8-year old to this present day 55 years later, my weekly visits are a great pleasure. There have been times when I've neglected them but like a long lost friend, the rediscovery has always been a delight. They can be what you want them to be - an intensely private experience where your choice of material is of little note to others - or a place to share common interests, meet people in your local community and catch up with what's going on in your area. I recall times when as a young wife and mother on a tight budget, choosing a book to read was one of those rare pleasures to be savoured, as was the joy of discovering a "new-to-me" author. Other periods during a busy career I would use the reference library more frequently. My children were introduced to the library near their school where they could go to study and now I have the great pleasure of taking my grand-daughter to the branch just outside her school's gate. More recently I have also discovered the British Library in London. I continue to appreciate that my local tax contributions go towards such a vital free service to continue the work of countless people through the ages to share not only knowledge, wisdom and truth but also make-believe, mystery & magic.
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This morning, I and many others are braving the elements, currently a blizzard, to transfer ourselves to Swindon's Civic Offices where we will present a 1,300 name petition to the Mayor, asking the Council to save Old Town Library.
Yesterday we sat for hours making flags and banners for supporters, a la 'Blue Peter' with broom-handles and sticky-backed plastic.
For months I have been using every possible means to represent users of our library, a successful one, to an obdurate set of councillors.
I think that, if anyone else asks me "Do we still need libraries?" -- I shall yell like a banshee and conk them with a broom-handled banner.
Of course we still need libraries ! The evidence is blindingly obvious. Brains do not develop properly without reading. We need local libraries, to keep communities together and to welcome newcomers.
We have but 2 days more to state our case and save our library. Find up-to-date information on www.friendsofoldtownlibrary.co.uk (view in Explorer)
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i do think that is would be mad to close local libraries; they are a source of free internet access or even free pc access to those who don't have that at home and i used my local library to wirte up my c.v.
they do story times for the children which is good fun.
i do have one suggestion though; perhaps the libraries should have tea and coffee facilities available so people can sit and read and relax just as they do in coffee shops.
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Our library at Blidworth, Notts is just the best! We'd be lost without it - it's a real hub of the community - so many events, reading challenges for the children, the schools and nurseries have regular visits as part of the school day, you can use computers, borrow books, CDs, tapes, DVDs/videos - groups use the library as meeting places - you name it - our library provides it - it's an amazing place.
Years ago, I think libraries had a very austere, starchy image - I remember as a child feeling almost nervous to enter the library, you had to be silent, you were told "don't bang the books" and were glared at by the staff - it was an unnerving experience at the best of times.
We moved to our locality about 9 years ago and we were just amazed at how friendly, accessible and welcoming our library is - the staff go above and beyond their remit daily - they put the customers first always and welcome young and old - how they remember all the names I'll never know!
We have wonderful staff and they make it a great place to visit. We would never want to lose our library.
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There is definitely still a place for libraries. I have recently joined the library in my local town and it is a great local service. As well as taking out books from my library I can request any book from within my council area. The library catalogue is all online which is great for requesting books etc. I must admit I thought libraries only contained books from a few years ago and weren't that up to date but it is the total opposite some books are even available the same week they are released! My friend has also registered at her local library and also thinks the service is great! Before I was reading one book a month I am now reading about 3 books a week! I would encourage people to join their local library you won't regret it!!
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It's great that there are so many positive comments here about Libraries and as a Librarian I'm glad the One Show decided we were worth a feature. It's a shame they had to trot out some of the old cliches (thus reinforcing them) about Libraries being silent and austere, and measuring our worth through book issue figures alone, when libraries across the UK and internationally are doing so much more than just providing a book lending service.
My local branch runs some great schemes for children and my son expects me to take him at least once a week, plus it's always full of people using the free internet access. Stop the cutbacks, extend the opening hours, invest a little bit more and then see what libraries could really do for our communities.
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Although this report means well, I am astounded that the BBC is still describing libraries as "church-like" and assuming that people are required to be quiet in a library.
This may be the case in academic libraries, where people are studying for extended periods, but it has been a long time since I have worked in, or visited a library where I have been told to "shh!".
For a long time, librarians have been trying to smash the stereotype by doing things as described in the report, only for the media to describe libraries as scary places where you cannot talk.
Come on BBC, let's stop reinforcing these stereotypes.
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Can anybody seriously challenge the value of libraries in this day and age? They represent extraordinary value for money in an age of wanton waste and profligacy. Perhaps libraries do suffer with an image problem but that's not the problem of libraries and librarians. It's a prejudice held by those who don't use libraries and don't realise what an invaluable service they offer. It's their loss. Sadly, if libraries do close, it'll be everyone's loss. My local library here in Bournemouth offers a wonder-fuelled world of books. My family would be utterly bereft without it!
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Our library offers a wide range of services other than supplying books. 'What's on' posters, details of clubs and societies, internet access, children's activities, talks, exhibitions etc. all play a part in attracting a range of age groups.
The number of books being borrowed and the increase in visitor numbers show this is what the public want AND use.
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One of the banners of the Wirral protestors read
"Save Our Librarys"
I am not sure if this undermines or strengthens this individual's argument.
Jethro
Cheshire
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In addition, we seem to be OK here is Glasgow in terms of book issues. Long live the recession!
http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/news/display.var.2486287.0.Story_of_libraries_takes_new_turn_as_thousands_open_up_to_books.php
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I work in a public library in east lothian and it is a busy, often noisy, place to work. We offer 8 computers for the public to use free of charge as well as cds, dvds, language courses and obviously books! We run ryhmetime sessions for young children and story and craft sessions for older children. it is often used as an informal meeting place by older people and for many living alone we are sometimes the only human contact they have in a day. For those unable to get out we offer a housebound delivery service. The bulk of our readers would be lost without us!!
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Hi - What wasnt mentioned on your programme was the 'green' aspect of libraries. You dont really need to possess every book you want to read.
Of course authors would like you to buy them - but most authors recognise the importance of encouraging readers.
i've read some of the comments by your viewers and a lot say they feel guilty for not going into their local libraries. dont feel guilty get in there. to be fair we could make libraries easier to get to. Exeter Central Library is brilliant but it's behind the high street and the council regularly use the front parking area as a building site instead of offering sensible parking and a bus service to the door. maybe we could also have outlets on the High street ...
also libraries should talk to those who dont use them and ask why?
it could be a 'class' thing - i used to use them but now i've got loads of money - but that's just silly!!!
GrannyVe
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Hi, I've worked for the library service for almost 30 years and I think it's great to read thru all the positive comments and see just how much libraries are appreciated. It's particularly helpful to see all the suggestions on how we can improve our service, though to be honest - longer opening hours, more books etc, more inviting buildings and more facilities are exactly the things we want to do, but don't have the required budget to be able to implement. The authority i work for has in fact had to make lots of savings over the last few years, and although we were fortunate in that no libraries were closed, 20 or so of my colleagues lost their jobs thru redundancy. I know I'm biased but i think libraries are great and have alot to offer to their communities, i hope that all the people posting on this blog encourage their friends and family if not already library users to join their local library.
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lisababy1988 said that an online library service would be useful for students.
At Newport Libraries in South Wales we have an online resource called Book Express, where it is possible to view the library catalogue and order books online. They then get sent to you through the post, together with a prepaid jiffy bag for returnibg them. It's an excellent service that is well used by students, people at work and the housebound. Check it out at www.newport.gov.uk/libraries.
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Having fought to save a library many years ago, we are concerned that a fresh round of closures are being considered. For young and old alike these are an important facility giving access not just to books, but the internet, music and entertainment in the form of Videos and DVD's. Libraries need to be local because families with young children cannot afford to travel long distances, let alone the difficulty involved when young children have to be taken on buses etc.
The joy of reading starts at a very young age, if families cannot have ready access to books then that will have a significant impact on the ability to learn. Perhaps some thought should be given to incorporating libraries into Primary Schools where space makes this practical. Finally those with access to the internet can reserve, renew and search for books online which means those of us who are slow readers do not have to go to the library too often just to renew books. It saves on fines!!!!
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I use my library regularly to hire talking books. There is a small charge for these, but compared to the cost of purchasing them myself this is very small. They have an excellent range of all kinds of literature.
On my daily walk I listen to the tapes or CD's as I pound the streets. Not only is my library saving me money, but it is also helping to keep me healthy and in many instances enabling me to catch up on all those classic books I meant to read, but never did. I would really miss the library service if it disapeared.
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Very interesting programme but Caerphilly county libraries have musical events sporting personalities and regular toddler times which gets very noisy. Our libraries are community meeting places where no one gets shushed at. Its about time people stopped seeing us as wearing tweed skirts and brogues.as often portrayed in TV programmes.We are more likely to be wearing jeans and multi coloured hair.
Why dont you come and see for yourself.
library Assistant CCBC
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i may be biassed as i'm studying to become a librarian, but i think libraries are hugely important. we live in a time of information overload when information professionals are needed more and more to help the public become information literate and sort the bad information (huge amounts) from the good. libraries are also vital places in communities where everyone is welcome and anyone can start the journey towards becoming a doctor, a rocket scientist, or just better informed about whatever they wanted to find out about.
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Whilst I type this blog our council is discussing further budget cuts to the library service at a time when they are needed more than ever. Go and join your local library today and take a book out - use it or lose it!
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I would really miss the libraries if they disappeared. Its one of the few positive reasons for justifying the huge council tax bill each month. I love going to the library and choosing another book. The libraries provide a great service which now include talking books, DVD's and use of computers as well as the books. I remember in the 1960's going to the local library in crocodile formation from primary school. It got all the children interested in reading and used to visiting the library. They weren't scary places you were afraid to walk into anymore. You belonged. Do they still do that now? If they don't, they should.
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I have recently found a super library service site online, I never knew libraries in this country did anything like this. I can use the service whenever I need to for answers and there is always someone there, as I don't get out as much as I would like anymore the staff that help me are always helpful friendly and patient.
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It's great to see all the positive comments on this blog. Has no-one got a bad word to say about libraries. I work in a library and I agree with everything that's been said about the good things that we do, the services on offer and the activities we provide. We're certainly not just books. If only our councils and the government would realize how even more amazing we would be with proper funding.
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I love going to my local libraries and contrary to popular opinion they are very relaxed places. There is certainly no longer a taboo on noise and children are always welcome.
They offer much more than just book loans. The Preston libraries all have computers that can be used for free, cds and dvds that can be hired at a minimum cost and free newspapers and leaflets regarding local events, including a variety of activities held at the libraries themselves.
The libraries' website itself is a mine of information and offers a very convenient renewal of books facility too
As for as I'm concerned libraries are fantastic for all ages and I just hope they stay in existence.
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First time I have used this servcie but can't now find the blog ref ' Community Libray Downley, High Wycombe, that did appear about 2 hours ago. (Approx 16.00)
As far as I recall it met the house rules and was very positive.
I have received no email advising that it has been removed so am puzzled as to why it no longer appears.
Please advise status - than you
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first time post
YES we still need our libraries even though we live in a digital age with books being dowloaded in P.D.F file format you cant curl up on the sofa for a good read with one of those. Also ( bookmark makers would be unemployed adding to the already crumbling economy)
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It is so nice to read so many positive comments about libraries.
One thing that strikes me when I visit my local library is that they have a much more varied selection of fiction titles than book stores.
I walk round Waterstone's, WH Smith and Borders and see the same covers in each. There's no depth to the range - just new releases, best sellers and classics. If you want something else there is really not a great deal of choice.
I've just borrowed an anthology of rare ghost stories from my library, the book is still in print but £70 to buy new! It cost me nothing. I found the book by searching the catalogue online, reserved it for free, and the library e mailed me to let me know it had arrived. How's that for service?
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Libraries have to have books in them. This is an obvious remark, obvious that is to anyone except Nottingham City Council who like to see nice, empty shelves - certainly in their district libraries. Perfectly good, interesting books have been sold off or simply put out for the binmen. It's now difficult for children to find non-fiction books in Nottingham's district libraries to help them with their homework. There are some scarce old books in the main library and I fear for their survival under the current regime. The record collection (which included some rarities) has already been disposed of. Libraries wont be any good to anyone if councils run down their collections.
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Libraries are wonderful and essential on all fronts. Personally, had I needed to purchase the books I have read since I joined Byfleet library when it opened when I was about 12, I estimate it would have cost me, conservatively, £20,000 at today's prices. Long live libraries, and the broad front they mostly operate on.
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Do we still need them? oh yes. And you have no idea how!
Libraries/books are the backbone of civilization, without them, we are nothing but savages.
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We NEED our local libraries, i for one wouldn't be able to afford to buy all the books i read. the best thing is the reservation service- you can search the catalogue online, reserve, they email you when your book arrives, you collect. simple and if they don't have it in stock they will get it for you from elsewhere.
a must for kids, boost their reading skills-get them interested in books, brilliant for teens who need study books and also great for borrowing DVDs (a weeks loan) + our local library has extended its hours opening late on 3 nights a week and sundays, what more could you ask!
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Public librarians themselves must bear some of the responsibility for the decline. We (I am one myself) are generally poor at advertising our services or, if we do, the advertising is poorly targeted. What, for example, is the point of spending a lot of money on posters and handbills handed out by library staff, when a simple advert in the local press would be far more effective and reach a wider audience. This very thing happened recently when a book reading evening was "advertised" in my area. The evening was poorly attended and acquaintances of mine who would have come, said they knew nothing about it!
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After watching your item about libraries I would like to say i love my local library on Ladybrook Estate in Mansfield, the staff are brilliant and so helpful.They started a reading circle which i joined and i have read some fantastic books all for free and many that I would never have choosen myself.They also run "theme events"that are free and are great fun too, tomorrow we are having a "Give Us a Clue afternoon along with recommended reads humourous poems and free refreshments. I would say to anyone out there to go down to your local library and enjoy the books and meeting new people its just fun and books are the best way to start a new friendship just by talking about your favourite book. Many years ago when I was just browsing in the library a complete stranger recommended a book to me which I took home and loved, that book got me hooked on medieval history and from that I joined My local branch of the Richard The Third Society and have made some real true friends through that group and also traveled all over the country visiting medieval sites so in a way that trip to the library many years ago changed my life so Thankyou Libraries
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Here on the Wirral we have not stopped fighting for our Libraries and other threatened services. We love our libraries and we use them for many purposes, all of which revolve around books and/or learning and always include fun. This evening while my daughter attended a reading group in the children’s library, I browsed in the adult library where an adult reading group were having a lively discussion.
Our council are not representing our views or needs - we are told that tough decisions have to be made because of financial problems. However, the loss of these services will lead to many other problems in the future which may not be measureable in monetary terms.
At a time when “large numbers of the adult working population of England remain functionally illiterate and innumerate” (House of Commons - Skills for Life: Progress in Improving Adult Literacy and Numeracy - Public Accounts Committee), closing libraries is simply irresponsible.
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I still use my local library from time to time. I have just researched the location of of a house once lived in by an elderly lady that I got to know through photography community website.. Small world!
In the end I had to go to the Larger Library at High Wycombe to get the help I needed. I found the house and sent her some photos. She lived in Marlow in the mid 1950s and the area near the house has been built on.
I have also held music workshops for the local Libraries In Berkshire, holding talks on Australia and the Aboriginal art and music. This involved playing the didgeridoo with children and adults on separate events.
I would love to do more across the country.
by getting people into music, photography and art events in libraries we are reminding them that they are there to be used.
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We will always need libraries, although they may need to diversify to meet ever evolving needs. There will always be people who do not have computer equipment / access to information resources in their homes. Libraries provide much more that book lending services. They are often the hub of a community, such as a village or a small town. There is a wealth of information available inside - advertisements of local events, details of clubs and societies, quiet areas where you can sit and read, somewhere to hold seasonal exhibitions.
When I first moved away from my home town, the library in my new area was a great source of information for social groups, clubs and societies that I could join.
I am sure there will always be people who want to borrow books from the library - because when all is said and done, there is nothing like curling up with a book in a comfy armchair or in bed. A laptop or computer screen just isn't the same!!!
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I was so pleased The One Show highlighted the plight of libraries on Monday's show. Libraries are one of the few places left open to everyone - no matter your background, age, sex, colour, religion etc etc. What a wonderful resource for any community, free at point of access to all, rich and poor alike.
I was disappointed however to hear Christine think libraries are church-like, this just perpetuates the stereotypes. Please Christine go into your local library, shock horror, you will be able to talk (and not in a whisper) possibly have a coffee, read a newspaper, access the internet, join in a book club discussion, listen to children shouting and singing in their bounce and tickle session - and no-one will tell you to "shh it's a library" promise.
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Bucks County Council opened an excellent new library in High Wycombe last May, albeit it was 40 years overdue!
I would recommend that you follow up with a look at Community Libraries such as the one shown on this link and run by volunteers in Downley, about 2 miles from High Wycombe town centre.
Opened about 4 years ago with book issues still steadily increasing.
http://www.downleypc.org/index.asp?pageid=106069
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Libraries in West Sussex are still in great demand and an imperative part of the community.
Membership and usage is continuing to increase, and since a new Library in Crawley opened five weeks ago, 53,674 books have been issued for loan in this one Library alone.
Countywide, more than 26,000 people have joined their local Library between April and December last year, an increase of nine per cent on the same period in 2007.
In West Sussex, we believe the Library is not just a place to borrow books, but a place of social interaction. The new Crawley Library, for instance, has an area for teenagers to work and interact, which is proving very popular. It also has a new coffee shop.
The Libraries host a number of varied events, from story time for toddlers to live bands, visits from famous authors and the celebration of national events. The National Year of Reading 2008 was very successful in West Sussex
It is vital residents have access to information to assist them in their life. Their jobs and their families and Libraries have everything you need.
I suggest your reporter comes to West Sussex to see for herself the great need and importance of Libraries. I would be delighted to show her round and for her to see how successful our Libraries remain.
Brad Watson OBE, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Communications.
www.westsussex.gov.uk/libraries
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I can't afford a computer so using the computers at the library is the only way i can surf the internet. Also I can't afford to buy books that I'm not going to read more than once. For me going to the library is a way of finding good books that you like and enjoy and are going to read again and it's alot cheaping borrowing a book from the library that you aren't going to look at more than once.
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Lancashire Libraries seem to have the right idea-good luck to them. The more librarian see the potential for their buildings the better. I liked the way Lancaster acknowledges culture in 2009 could be delivered in a loud, fun and high profile way.And not a scholl sandal, or pince-nez in sight-hurrah!
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i have always loved libraries and recall my first visit to one 45 yrs ago. i wanted to be a librarian and members of my family have worked in librarians. i took my children to the library throughout their childhood and enjoyed the shared experience of books, tapes, story books and later dvds. i was in awe when i visited the university library as a special place of learning. of course things have changed vastly over the years and sometimes i miss how things were, ie the silence, and the special smell that libraries had. tho now i enjoy the variety on offer, with use of pc's and equipment, and i have always sought my books from the library rather than buying as i have always lived on a limited budget and i think this is an important view to consider. i also have found and used the closest library when ive been on holiday to see the difference to those of my home town, because i like the feel that libraries have and the difference between the big, to the small, the city to the rural. for me then if the library were lost its yet another change to absorb. the downside to a library now is i find that its more noisy, the condition of the books are not always very good and there isnt always a fresh turnover of stock but i always look to the library for support or for integration into a new area as the focal point to find out information of what is going on. another downside i find is that if you want a book that isnt in residence you have to pay to book it and i see this as another tax. i can see doing away with libraries would be a way of the government saving money and i still believe that libraries are the heart of a community and could be viable for the future. but then im 50 and i dont expect my view to be upheld to any degree
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ps the library in my area, Bude Cornwall is lovely but could be so much more ie where other comments run to using the library as a coffee shop etc, i cant see why this wouldnt be delightful
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I'm sure the service 105. maiseydoozie mentions is the Enquire service - which is a 24/7 Ask A Librarian chat service currently staffed by 87 library authorities in the UK:
http://www.peoplesnetwork.gov.uk
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Most definately need libraries. As a pensioner I get through an average of 6 books a week. I certainly could not afford to buy them and as I downsized two years ago there is no way I could store them.
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There is a lot of book stores out there now (e.g) Waterstones , WHSmith etc. But I think we still need local libraries because there are certain books that you wouldn't get in stores that you would get in libraries.And also you could get a book out of a library for borrowing and give back once you've read it and it saves you spending money in the bok stores.
There is also some books in stores which you probably wouldn't get in libraries on the same dates (e.g) new realesed books from famous authors like Terry Pratchett, Martina Cole, J.K Rowling etc.
But overall , I reckon we do still need libraries in our communities.
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Libraries across Leicestershire have seen an increase in visitors over the last five years. And now, as the UK finds itself in the credit crunch, figures continue to rise. Traditionally people turn to public libraries during hard economic times - for cheaper entertainment, to help with employment, for free access to computers and to save money and be ‘greener’ by borrowing books rather than buying. Libraries are much more modern than one might think, with up-to-date services and facilities, all for no or little cost! For example… free use of PCs and the internet, cheap nights in with DVDs and music hire, free newspapers and magazines, welcoming surroundings (some libraries even have a coffee bar!) where you can read all the latest best sellers for free, and groups and activities for all ages, like Wriggly Readers sessions for babies and toddlers, adult reading groups, Manga groups, crosswords, Sudoku and quizzes.
And our website has seen transformation in order to keep up with the competition. During the last 18 months we updated the Libraries website design and navigation to help customers to find the information they are looking for; we made joining the library easier by adding online registration; we also have a new blog, a podcast, audio book samples, learning games, Googlemaps, and a "Library Lounge" - a web space for young people to relax and read, get connected, and get involved. This year we will launch an improved online catalogue, which will provide more socially interactive features like book ratings and reviews, Amazon web services, and I could go on and on….
Sheri Riddlesworth, Website Development Officer, Leicestershire Libraries
www.leics.gov.uk/libraries
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